A Liberal Democrat MP has today backed Republic's calls for the Queen to reveal her tax returns in the wake of similar calls on government ministers.
The Queen pays tax voluntarily at a rate of her choosing, following a secret deal agreed with John Major 20 years ago.
Republic has long argued that given the Queen's unique and personalised tax arrangements the public have a right to know what those arrangements are.
Julian Huppert, MP for Cambridge today supported Republic's demands, saying:
"I totally support Republic’s call for more openness and transparency in the Queen’s tax affairs."
"The Queen has enjoyed an element of secrecy in her financial affairs afforded to her by a unique tax agreement negotiated with the Conservative government 20 years ago. But if we are to ask ministers for tax disclosure, we must apply the same principle here."
"A head of state supported by the taxpayer must be accountable to the taxpayer."
Republic's chief executive Graham Smith added:
"The Queen is in a position to lobby government in secret, to influence Treasury decisions and to secure changes in tax law that will benefit her personally. She also has a uniquely personalised tax arrangement with the government - there is clearly a need for transparency here."
"This is about transparency - the public need to know that government decisions are made for the greater good, not personal gain. The Queen is in a position to influence policy behind closed doors, and as head of state she is expected to set an example."
"It is high time the Queen came clean on her privileged tax status and let the people know whether or not she is paying the highest rates of tax on her private and public income."
The Queen pays tax voluntarily at a rate of her choosing, following a secret deal agreed with John Major 20 years ago.
Republic has long argued that given the Queen's unique and personalised tax arrangements the public have a right to know what those arrangements are.
Julian Huppert, MP for Cambridge today supported Republic's demands, saying:
"I totally support Republic’s call for more openness and transparency in the Queen’s tax affairs."
"The Queen has enjoyed an element of secrecy in her financial affairs afforded to her by a unique tax agreement negotiated with the Conservative government 20 years ago. But if we are to ask ministers for tax disclosure, we must apply the same principle here."
"A head of state supported by the taxpayer must be accountable to the taxpayer."
Republic's chief executive Graham Smith added:
"The Queen is in a position to lobby government in secret, to influence Treasury decisions and to secure changes in tax law that will benefit her personally. She also has a uniquely personalised tax arrangement with the government - there is clearly a need for transparency here."
"This is about transparency - the public need to know that government decisions are made for the greater good, not personal gain. The Queen is in a position to influence policy behind closed doors, and as head of state she is expected to set an example."
"It is high time the Queen came clean on her privileged tax status and let the people know whether or not she is paying the highest rates of tax on her private and public income."
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