Peter Grant, MP for Glenrothes and Central Fife led for the SNP in a recent debate on tax avoidance and evasion.
The motion, brought to the House of Commons by John McDonnell MP, outlined that there is up to a £90 billion difference in the amount of tax that should be paid and the amount that is being received by HMRC. It also called for robust action to tackle tax avoidance and evasion.
In his contribution, the Glenrothes and Central Fife MP said that too often the Conservatives see tax as something bad and sad it appears too many of the UK Government benches don’t see the problem with tax avoidance.
Speaking after, Mr Grant said:
“There is an underlying belief – mainly from the Conservative benches – that taxes are bad. Taxes are what keep our vital services, like our NHS, schools, and courts, operating and running daily.
“When a system allows up to £90 billion of taxes to be unpaid each year, then questions need to be asked about how it is – or isn’t in this case – working. Sadly, many people living in Glenrothes and Central Fife would find it easier to set up a company to dodge taxes than many are finding it to prove to the Home Office Settled Status Scheme that they have the right to live and work here.
“Of course, it doesn’t help when the Conservatives keep repeating the fallacious claim that Scotland is the highest taxed part of these islands. Yes, for somebody living in Scotland and on my salary, then it is surely only fair that they pay a little bit extra? But for most people living and working in Scotland, they will pay lower taxes than if they were living in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.”