19/12/2007

PM Feared Loss Of Scottish Support In NI Tax Break Refusal

The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, is said to be reluctant to lower corporation tax in Northern Ireland because he fears repercussions in Scotland.

A review by Sir David Varney rejected demands for a cut in corporation tax in NI and now, NI Assembly First Minister, Ian Paisley, has said the decision was a partly because of potential political implications for Labour in Scotland.

However, he said the NI Executive has not given up hope of achieving a cut in the rate of corporation tax, although they acknowledge they may have to pursue their arguments with a future Westminster government.

After a meeting of the Stormont Executive, Mr Paisley said: "I believe that the Prime Minister is afraid of Scotland, because Scotland has been the backbone of the labour movement and now the bowl is broken... for the first time Labour is no longer in charge of affairs in Scotland."

NI Finance Minister Peter Robinson also expressed his extreme disappointment at the outcome of Sir David Varney's review.

But he pointed out that Northern Ireland officials would play a bigger role in a second review of the economy to be undertaken by Sir David in the run up to a major investment conference next summer.

(BMcC)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

24 October 2024
100 Days Left To File Your Self Assessment Tax Return
The clock is ticking for taxpayers who file Self Assessments. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding everyone that they have just 100 days left to submit their return and settle any tax owed before the January 31st deadline. For those who haven't started yet, HMRC offers a wealth of information and guidance on GOV.
23 January 2024
HMRC Issues Self Assessment 31 January Deadline Reminder
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has urged the 3.8 million people yet to file their Self Assessment tax return are urged to "act now or risk facing a £100 penalty". HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is expecting more than 12.1 million tax returns to be filed for the 2022 to 2023 tax year along with any payment that is owed. To date more than 8.
26 January 2023
DUP Urges PM To Ensure UK A 'Beacon Of Religious Freedom'
The DUP has called on the Prime Minister to review UK law to ensure that England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are beacons of religious freedom across the world. Making the call, DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, said: "My party hosted Isabel Vaughan-Spruce yesterday as she visited Parliament.
23 October 2023
Just 100 Days Left To Submit Self Assessment Tax Returns
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a reminder to Self Assessment customers that there is now just 100 days left to submit a tax return by the deadline of 31 January 2024. And with the clock ticking down, customers can find various types of help from webinars to step by step guides at the click of a mouse.
08 July 2015
SDLP Hits Out At Chancellor Over Cut In Working Tax Credits
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has been slammed for targeting lone parents after he announced a cut in Working Tax Credits. SDLP Enterprise spokesperson Patsy McGlone MLA said George Osborne issued a "Budget against working people".