Dixons Retail chief seconds John Lewis’s Amazon tax warning
Sebastian James shares John Lewis MD Andy Street's concerns over corporate tax avoidance
DIXONS RETAIL chief executive Sebastian James has backed warnings that UK retailers could be driven out by tax avoidance from larger multinationals, citing Amazon.
John Lewis managing director Andy Street yesterday said Amazon would be able to “out-trade” and “out-invest” its British rivals.
Writing on his Twitter account, James said: “I agree with Andy Street: retailers making profits in the UK should pay tax in the UK.”
The comments follow Amazon’s appearance before the Public Accounts committee alongside Starbucks and Google to answer accusations of corporate tax avoidance.
Amazon director of public policy Andrew Cecil was roundly criticised by the committee for his lack of “serious” responses, and was told a more senior executive would be summoned in his stead.
Dixons has 1,200 stores, including PC World and Currys, and Amazon is a major rival.