Sir Tom Hunter: Indy ref ‘Too huge an issue to be left to politicians’

Entrepreneur Sir Tom Hunter delivers his critical verdict on the independence referendum debate.

Sir Tom Hunter is an entrepreneur and philanthropist and established scotlandseptember18.com to provide objective evidence on the referendum.

“If politics is about stereotypes, Alistair Darling and Alex Salmond couldn’t sum it up any better two Scots arguing over a pound.

Funny as that may be, Rory Bremner’s line takes us to the heart of the independence debate can we in Scotland fare better on our own with or without the pound?

The problem we voters have in attempting to answer that question is we simply do not have enough evidence to say one way or the other.

This decision is way too important to be left to the politicians alone and that’s why today I welcome The Sunday Post’s initiative to try and shed light on both sides of the argument.

Many Scots have of course already made up their minds, but those undecided of which I am one still need more information, evidence and analysis in order to do so.

And, unless anyone is under any illusion, those voters could just swing the decision to end or continue our 300-year-old Union.

Critically, there are no absolute answers to the benefits of staying or going. On the one hand, if we stay, is it more of the same or a bit more power? If we go, can we afford it and which currency will we use?

As an undecided I have seen in absolute terms how many well-informed statements have been twisted for political purposes to suit the Yes or No campaigns. Scotland deserves better and our people don’t enjoy the condescension of some politicians in this debate.

It is time, through the likes of this initiative by The Sunday Post, for us to listen to reasoned evidence-based arguments as to the pros and cons of a Yes or No vote. For me, I’m keen to hear answers to three critical questions.

Firstly, what benefits do we glean from being outwith the Union that we couldn’t gain from being in it? Secondly, if we stay with the Union, what more powers are on offer for Scotland bearing in mind the majority, by far, want more powers? And lastly, the funds invested by Government are generated by taxes and ergo by business what plans do both sides have for encouraging a more vibrant, entrepreneurial Scotland where opportunity shines for all?

As one of life’s optimists I hope for answers. Let’s hope The Sunday Post can help deliver them.”