THE Scots had a vote in their independence referendum on September 18, 2014, and decided to stay within the union with a vote of 55.3 per cent to stay.

On June 23, 2016, the British voted on leaving the EU (the Brexit vote) and 51.9 per cent voted to leave.

On October 1, 2017, the Catalonians sought a vote on an independence referendum.

It was opposed by the Spanish government, who sent in the police to close down the polling stations with brutal force.

The Basques voted 91.96 per cent on a turnout of 42.58 per cent to seek independence from Spain.

Other than a few hotheads from the rent a mob, the UK’s was a democratic election and the will of the people prevailed.

Just how can the Spanish government hope to keep Spain united by oppressing 7.523 million of its citizens (2016)?

Is this democracy? I think not.

D M Deamer, Penley’s Grove Street, Monkgate, York