Tax powers could transfer to the EU
Concerns rise over transfer of tax-raising powers to the European Union
Tax-raising direct from Europe would effectively create a “transfer of
sovereignty”, according to EU budget commissioner Janusz Lewandowski.
Edicts from the EU to tax member state citizens through VAT or financial
transaction taxes could impinge on principles of national governance, reported
the Daily Express.
“It needs ratification because it is the prerogative of a national state to
set its own taxes,” Lewandowski was quoted in the paper.
However the coalition government has promised to put any power-transfer plans
to a vote.
“EU taxation proposals are invasive of British democracy’s constitutional
position,” said Bill Cash, the Conservative chairman of the House of Commons
scrutiny committee.
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