Sunday, February 24, 2013
Clegg challenges Cameron on taxation
Today's Observer reports that Nick Clegg has accused David Cameron of being "stuck in the past" for opposing a mansion tax. They say that this signals that the Liberal Democrats are ready to challenge the Tories more vigorously over key aspects of economic policy:
The Lib Dem leader says plans for a mansion tax on properties worth more than £2m, recently backed by Labour, is an idea "whose time has come" and says it is a "certainty" that some levy on high-value properties will be introduced soon. "The Conservatives and opponents of fairer taxes have a choice," Clegg writes. "They can dig their heels in and remain stuck in the past. Or they can join with the Liberal Democrats and the chorus of voices seeking to make our tax system fair. Far better, surely, to move with the times."
The Liberal Democrats leader hinted that he is prepared to work more closely with Labour on this issue: "As we try to build a stronger, more entrepreneurial economy who can possibly defend a tax system that rewards unearned wealth at the expense of hard work?"
This is a Liberal Democrats issue irrespective of Labour's attempt hi-jack it and it is good to see Clegg contnuing to lead on it.
The Lib Dem leader says plans for a mansion tax on properties worth more than £2m, recently backed by Labour, is an idea "whose time has come" and says it is a "certainty" that some levy on high-value properties will be introduced soon. "The Conservatives and opponents of fairer taxes have a choice," Clegg writes. "They can dig their heels in and remain stuck in the past. Or they can join with the Liberal Democrats and the chorus of voices seeking to make our tax system fair. Far better, surely, to move with the times."
The Liberal Democrats leader hinted that he is prepared to work more closely with Labour on this issue: "As we try to build a stronger, more entrepreneurial economy who can possibly defend a tax system that rewards unearned wealth at the expense of hard work?"
This is a Liberal Democrats issue irrespective of Labour's attempt hi-jack it and it is good to see Clegg contnuing to lead on it.
