Should UK politicians be required to publish their tax returns?
UK MPs must register financial interests that could influence their work, but there is no legal requirement for any politicians to publish full tax returns. Some prime ministers and chancellors have voluntarily released summaries in recent years, yet refusals by figures including Nigel Farage and others have renewed calls for mandatory disclosure. Public polls show around 80% support for senior politicians revealing how much tax they pay, amid ongoing scrutiny of donations, outside earnings and transparency in the current parliament.
2 Opinions
MPs is such a powerful position in public service that openness is critical. Publishing tax returns whilst serving should be part of that openness.
If you're voting to freeze income tax thresholds or cut public services, the public deserves to see whether you actually practice what you preach. Want absolute privacy for your wealth? Stay in the private sector. If you're an MP, you should be open to the scrutiny of the public. Sadly though, I suspect publishing full HMRC returns won't stop creative accounting.... politicians will still use family trusts or blind funds to skirt around it.