Freebies, Deficits & Denial: Scotland’s Economic Reality Check

Air Date: April 19th, 2026

Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter

This is a catch-up version of the weekly, Go Radio Business Show, Sundays from 11am.

This week on The Go Radio Business Show, Willie and Tom pull no punches as they tackle the hard truths politicians keep dodging. From Scotland’s growing deficit and the illusion of “freebies”, to the housing crisis, punishing business rates, and the real cost of economic short-termism, this episode asks one urgent question: who’s actually listening to business?

The conversation spans election debates, financial literacy in politics, interest rates, energy policy failures, and why Norway keeps winning while Scotland stumbles.

Unfiltered, outspoken, and grounded in real-world experience, this episode is essential listening for anyone who cares about economic growth, jobs, and the future of Scottish business.

Key Episode Highlights

Why Scotland’s £4.7bn deficit is being ignored — and why that’s dangerous

The political obsession with “free” policies and who ultimately pays

Housing crisis reality check: why building more homes is the only solution

Shock stories from the frontline of business rates crippling SMEs

Interest rates, energy shocks, and IMF warnings on UK growth