GENERAL ANTI-AVOIDANCE RULE FOR TAXATION

Early day motion 2501, tabled 1 December 2011 by Stephen Williams (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 90 members.

That this House notes the widespread public concern about the extent of tax avoidance and evasion by individuals and corporations; further notes that while evasion is illegal, taxes can be avoided by schemes that are contrived in their nature or by arrangements that are artificial and thus far removed from the responsible tax planning measures provided for by Parliament; believes that the ever-growing expansion of anti-avoidance measures has not eliminated the scope for exploitation of loopholes; further notes the publication of the report by Graham Aaronson QC outlining the case for the introduction of a general anti-avoidance rule in the UK; and urges HM Treasury to bring forward legislation within the next Finance Bill for the introduction of such a rule.

Signatures by party: Labour 43, Liberal Democrat 34, DUP 5, Plaid Cymru 2, Scottish National Party 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Green 1, Independent 1.