Nicola Sturgeon: PM's credibility in '˜tatters' over tax
David Cameron admitted last night that he sold the shares before he entered Number 10 in 2010 and had paid all UK taxes due on profits from the £30,000 sale. He said the firm, Blairmore Holdings, had not been set up to avoid tax.
Scotland’s First Minister has accused Mr Cameron of betraying public trust and called for an open approach from the Prime Minister.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“David Cameron must now be completely transparent around his tax affairs,” Ms Sturgeon said.
“After four days of ducking and diving it is now clear that he personally benefited from offshore investments.
“Whether or not it was legal, the tortuous way the information was dragged out of the Prime Minister leaves his credibility in tatters — and completely betrays public trust.
“And to claim that the UK government is cracking down on offshore investments and tax havens while blocking EU moves to increase transparency is utterly hypocritical.
“There are also now questions to answer over whether David Cameron’s interests have influenced his actions in parliament — and if they should have been declared in full before now.”
Ms Sturgeon also claimed that new anti-avoidance measures to accompany the new tax powers being taken oin by the Scottish Government are “among the toughest in the world.”
“The UK government should follow our lead in cracking down on tax avoidance,” Ms Sturgeon added.
“And once again Ruth Davidson has remained silent while her Westminster colleagues bring politics into disrepute. She must make it absolutely clear that she condemns Cameron’s actions, on delaying and dodging the difficult questions.”