Billionaire's Blueprint: Tom Hunter's Holyrood Manifesto Targets Economic Revival
One of Scotland's most prominent business leaders has unveiled a radical economic manifesto, promising to create over 100,000 new jobs through sweeping reforms to taxation, energy policy, and planning systems. Sir Tom Hunter, the billionaire entrepreneur, has released what he terms an "Entrepreneurs Manifesto for Scotland," positioning it as a pro-business blueprint designed to unleash the nation's economic potential while simultaneously increasing investment in vital public services.
Tax Cuts and Regulatory Overhaul Proposed
At the heart of Hunter's proposals lies a fundamental critique of Scotland's current economic landscape. He argues that the nation has been held back by excessive taxation and bureaucratic red tape, describing the existing business rate system as nothing less than a "tax on success." The manifesto urges the Scottish Government to abandon its distinct income tax system and instead align with rates across the rest of the United Kingdom, a move that would represent a significant tax cut for middle and high earners.
Furthermore, Sir Tom calls for nothing short of a "bonfire of the quangos" – the quasi-autonomous non-governmental organisations – and the appointment of a dedicated "red tape tsar." He contends that such measures, combined with broader government efficiency drives, could inject more than £2 billion into Scotland's economy. The document also advocates for urgent reform of business rates, particularly targeting the hospitality, leisure, and retail sectors, which it claims are being punished for expansion and investment.
Planning Reform and Energy Policy Shifts
The manifesto sets out ambitious plans for a new, centralised planning system intended to fast-track major development projects. Sir Tom criticises the current framework as being too slow, overly bureaucratic, and a deterrent to investment, stating that little has changed despite the government's declaration of a housing emergency. This proposed overhaul is framed as essential for reversing Scotland's sluggish economic growth.
On energy policy, the document calls for an end to the windfall tax on the North Sea oil and gas industry – a tax set by Westminster – arguing it has "devastated" the sector and that its removal could save 1,000 jobs monthly. It also urges political parties to support investment in nuclear energy, a stance long-opposed by the SNP, while maintaining commitments to green energy development.
Embracing AI and Political Reception
The manifesto identifies artificial intelligence as "the biggest opportunity for our country, our businesses and our economy." The Hunter Foundation has offered to collaborate with the government to fund an elite group tasked with exploring AI's benefits for Scotland. Sir Tom frames his proposals not as requests for special treatment, but as a call for a serious partnership focused on tangible outcomes: more opportunity, homes, investment, and funding for public services.
The Scottish Conservatives have welcomed the manifesto, describing it as a "damning indictment of the SNP Government's failure to listen to business." Murdo Fraser, the party's business spokesman, echoed calls for a "bonfire of the quangos" and planning reform, urging SNP ministers to finally heed business concerns, fix business rates, and eliminate the tax differential with the rest of the UK.
Sir Tom Hunter concluded with a rallying cry: "Scotland has the talent and the ambition to be a high-growth nation once again... If we do that, Scotland can not only compete on the big stage, but prosper." His manifesto claims these practical changes could add up to £20.2 billion to the Scottish economy within five years, framing economic growth and enhanced public service funding as mutually achievable goals.
