SIR - The BBC programme The Daily Politics states that only 23 per cent of Scots polled wanted independence.

We know English taxpayers are funding a disproportionate amount per head to Scotland, Gordon's gift for sending many Labour Scottish MPs to Westminster.

Regardless of their individual nationality, those north of the Border realise their fiscal advantage. In these circumstances would we expect a majority to vote to end the Union? Not likely!

The polling is taking place in the wrong country! The people in the English constituencies are actually paying twice, through taxation and for services.

Those funding this discrepancy should be making the decision on severing links with Scotland.

The Labour Party will fight tirelessly to retain the status quo; the Lib-Dems are a nonentity. Only the Conservatives can effect a change. We need parity on funding or severance.

The Tories should adopt this as official policy. What have they got to lose, they have only one Parliamentary seat in Scotland, where they have been all but rejected?

Relieve England's taxpayers, freeing them of this responsibility. Let Scotland fund its own freebie handouts to their students, elderly and sick.

This is a policy that Gordon Brown will not steal.

Alan Chapman, Beck Lane, Bingley