Letter of the law
The government is arguing that it will be protected by law. However, no government can bind its successor. So any future government, with a sufficient parliamentary majority, could at any time pass an act removing the USO protection, in response to arguments that delivery to islands and other rural areas is not profitable. In short, no guarantee by the present government can last longer than the next general election. Inhabitants of the Scottish Islands, Highlands and other rural areas should be aware of this, and make their views known accordingly.
R D Cramond
Oswald Road
Edinburgh