Friends join call for new tax law
Quakers join with other faith groups in calling on politicians to end tax avoidance
The Religious Society of Friends in Britain has joined other faith groups in calling on politicians to end tax avoidance.
The recording clerk of Britain Yearly Meeting, Paul Parker, signed a statement in support of a new campaign calling on political parties to promise to act against tax avoidance if elected.
The campaign was set up by faith-based groups such as Christian Aid, Church Action on Poverty and the Church Urban Fund, Methodist Tax Justice Network and Quaker Peace & Social Witness (QPSW). The church leaders stated: ‘People matter more than profits but every year billions of pounds are lost through corporate tax dodging. The law needs to change so that the loopholes which allow big corporations to avoid paying their fair share of tax can be closed.
‘The proposed legislation has been carefully constructed and seeks the best outcome for both the UK and developing countries. It is a matter of justice, and justice – like love for our neighbour – does not stop at national boundaries.’
Signatories included Martin Atkins, general secretary of the Methodist Church; Heather Poxon, director of international development at the Salvation Army; Alastair Redfern, bishop of Derby; and Joel Edwards, former international director of the Micah Challenge.
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