Nick Clegg: Speech on the Liberal Democrat approach to taxation

12.55.03pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 27th May 2008

Liberal Democrat Leader, Nick Clegg today called for tax cuts for low and middle-income earners after a decade of tax hikes and unprecedented public spending rises.

During a speech to the Policy Exchange think-tank, Nick Clegg said:

"We are not ready to accept the Government's proposed overall level of taxation, and will look in depth at whether it can, and should, be cut.

"Over the course of eleven years of the Labour Government, we have seen National Insurance bumped up, Council Tax sky rocketing, stamp duty quadrupled, dozens of minor stealth taxes imposed, and now the 10p rate of income tax doubled.

"It is ludicrous that the poorest people still pay a higher proportion of their income in tax than the richest do. It is an immoral use of excessive taxation on those who can afford it least.

"Excessive tax can do enormous damage - especially to the poorest families, whose power in our society is already so limited. That is why the Liberal Democrats will focus all our attention on cutting taxes - from the bottom.

"The most disturbing development is the Prime Minister's penchant for surprise tax changes. It's a tombola tax system. Gordon Brown treats tax like Forrest Gump treats a box of chocolates - you never know what you're going to get.

"David Cameron cannot credibly argue that he wants to cuts taxes and improve public services unless he says how - he has asked us to trust him but why on earth should we?

"Tory tax policies are all smoke and mirrors, striking postures whilst ducking all the tough choices.

"He has cried crocodile tears for the millions who lose out from this income tax hike. Crocodile tears because he has no policies to help the people who are suffering."