MIDLOTHIAN MP SAYS THE UK MUST MAKE TAX FAIR

Owen Thompson, SNP MP for Midlothian, today (Wednesday) signed up to ActionAid’s campaign for fair taxation, starting with a fairer UK-Malawi treaty.

Mr Thompson met with ActionAid at a Westminster and campaigner Chisomo Bullah from Malawi, at an event to discuss ActionAid’s campaign and add his support to the campaign.

ActionAid recently launched its new campaign, calling for the UK to offer to negotiate a fairer tax treaty with Malawi. This treaty was signed in 1955, while Malawi was under British colonial rule, and limits the ability of the Government of Malawi to collect tax revenues from UK firms operating there. ActionAid’s campaign argues that a fairer and more just treaty would help bring in tax revenue that Malawi desperately needs for hospitals, schools and other vital public services.

Commenting, Owen Thompson MP said:

“I am happy to lend my support to ActionAid and to Malawi, a country which has historically been a great friend and supporter of Scotland.

“Tax avoidance is a major issue in the UK, but we forget that the UK’s tax practices play a huge role in shaping the global tax system. IMF research shows that it is costing developing countries US$200billion per year, more than they receive in foreign aid.

“It is clear that the UK must modernise its tax treaties to reflect modern economies, starting with its treaty with Malawi. UK companies which operate in Malawi must pay their fair share of tax there.”

ENDS.

NOTES:

Photo L-R: Owen Thompson - Chisomo Bullah

ActionAid website: http://www.actionaid.org.uk/