Your editorial (28 June) is right to say that “all nations are created”. I look forward to the time when Scotland will be able to recreate itself as a vibrant, self-confident social democracy, freed at last from the shackles of backward-looking rightwing Westminster governments that it never voted for. Of course, the British political establishment will say that this project of self-renewal is wholly beyond us. It will cite what it regards as the insurmountable obstacle of the economy, as if we Scots were in perpetual need of English markets and largesse when, in fact, readmission to the EU beckons, outside of which England has become a sinking ship. They will also cite matters like the currency or that of the spectre of a hard border between Scotland and England to foster what used to be called the Scottish cringe. Thankfully, this cringe is now in the dustbin of history. Increasingly, Scots see how vital it is to escape the clutches of Westminster to recreate in their country a politics of the common good – a politics abandoned in England since the days of Margaret Thatcher. Alastair McLeish Edinburgh • I was born in Yorkshire, but have chosen to live as much as I could in Scotland. I voted yes in 2014 and hope to do so again in the not too distant future. It is usual for England-based politicians, and leader writers, to say that now is not the time for a referendum. This is undemocratic – if Scots did not want another referendum we would stop voting for parties that support it, which there is no sign of us doing. Westminster is corrupt, undemocratic and not fit for purpose, no matter who the current incumbents are. I believe Scottish independence would be a good thing for the English, as it might give them the impetus to do something about their ridiculous system of government. Federalism is attractive, but not on offer. If and when it is, I expect Scotland, and maybe Wales too, to be able to negotiate from a position of strength as independent countries, and not be obliged to accept whatever the English think is good for them. Sue Hawthorne Haddington, East Lothian • People may well wonder why the referendum is planned for 19 October next year. On that date in 1781, the Americans won independence from Britain with their victory at the Battle of Yorktown. The British under Cornwallis surrendered, marching to lay down their weapons to the tune of The World Turned Upside Down. Nationalists clearly regard it as an auspicious date for pro-independence activities. Greg Stephens Penkhull, Stoke-on-Trent • It’s all well and good having an independence referendum, but surely the catastrophe of Brexit should not see history repeat itself? There should be a minimum turnout and 66% majority to change the status quo. If the result ends up 48%-52%, down that path lies only division – hardly what you want for an aspiring independent nation. William Bartram Hampton, London • If Nicola Sturgeon can keep rerunning the referendum until she gets the result she wants, why can’t we do the same for Brexit? Robert Jeffs Solihull, West Midlands • Have an opinion on anything you’ve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication.