Michael Connarty Speaks Out Against VAT Increase

Linlithgow and East Falkirk MP Michael Connarty has spoken out against the proposed Conservative / Liberal Democrat VAT bombshell.

Linlithgow and East Falkirk MP Michael Connarty asked a very important question on the VAT increase in the House Of Commons Chamber to Chancellor George Osbourne during a treasury debate on October 12^th. As an Economics Graduate Mr Connarty understands better than most people the impact this punitive rise will have on the UK economy as we try to come out of the recession and how the increase will affect those at the lower end of the pay scale disproportionatly..

The question Michael Connarty asked the Chancellor was – “With all this talk of fairness why is it that no one has mentioned the VAT increase which is a 14.5% increase in real terms in the VAT rate.This inflation busting tax hike has been attacked by those who I thought were Conservative voting business people and many hard pressed families in my constituency and will punish those at the lower end of the income spectrum. Why is such a high rate of VAT being pursued by this Government?”

The Chancellor replied by trotting out the now familiar line about the increase being necessary due to the budget deficit but interestingly did not question Michael Connartys assertion of the real terms increase of 14.5%.

Michael spoke after his question saying “In the sea of cuts announced by this Conservative – Liberal Democrat Government the proposed VAT increase will be the hammer blow to both many low paid families and already struggling small businesses throughout the Country. I feel it is my duty to my constituents and indeed to the wider UK citizens to point out the dire economic consequences if this increase is implemented as per the current treasury programme and to campaign tooth and nail against this badly misjudged tax increase.