Stewart backs SNP's plan for referendum on Scotland's independence

Published on Thursday 10 September 2009 22:11

FORMULA One racing legend Jackie Stewart has backed the SNP's plans for a referendum on independence – saying Scots should have the right to decide whether they want to stay part of the Union or not.

Sir Jackie, 70, cited his experience of living in Switzerland as an example of how people can be trusted with their own views on what he called "big issues".

The Scot, who was born in Milton, West Dunbartonshire, rarely offers any insight on his political leanings, preferring to act as an ambassador for both Scottish and UK sport. But he said Scots should have the right to decide whether they want to be Scottish or British.

He said: "Everybody should have a choice if it's a big issue. I lived part of my life in Switzerland and they're famous for their referendums. It's the public's choice. After all, that's their nationality – it's their right."

His comments came during a visit to Edinburgh to open an exhibition of his Tyrrell F1 racing car at the National Museum of Scotland exactly 40 years after he won his first world championship at Monza.

The SNP government last night welcomed Sir Jackie's backing for the referendum.

SNP deputy Leader Nicola Sturgeon said: "Sir Jackie Stewart's comments are extremely welcome and reflect the democratic position that the people have the right to choose Scotland's future.

"Two-thirds of Scots back a referendum, and our challenge to the London parties is to listen to respected individuals such as Sir Jackie, and not stand in the people's way.

"SNP support is strong, and support for independence has surged by seven points in a single week. We can definitely win the referendum, ensuring that Scotland becomes an equal and independent nation."

The Scottish Government wants to hold a referendum on independence in 2010. In the referendum, voters would be asked whether they think the Scottish Government should negotiate a new settlement with the United Kingdom so that Scotland becomes an independent country.

A bill to bring forward a referendum will have to be approved by the Scottish Parliament, which could prove a major stumbling block. Labour, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats are all opposed to a referendum, so First Minister Alex Salmond would require a rebellion from within the other parties to get the bill through Holyrood.

Sir Jackie also took time out to defend his sport from the cheating row that has threatened to engulf it.

The former world champion said F1's governing body had in the past been quick to issue massive fines, but insisted it must be sure that wrong-doing had taken place rather than risk a knee-jerk reaction.

He also said the industry that made him world famous had mostly escaped corruption in the past, but added that the rules and sporting code were crucial to the future of F1.

He said: "I believe in sport, business, politics and even the military there are glitches from time to time when things occur that shouldn't occur.

"Fortunately, in motorsport we've been relatively in avoidance of that.

"More recently we've had a couple of situations that I can't say we're proud of, but they do occur.

"There are thousands of people involved in a motor- racing grand prix event. From time to time, there will be errors made."