Alistair Darling to attend ABI board meeting as tax forum membership is announced.
Chancellor Alistair Darling has agreed to face the Association of British Insurers (ABI) in person at the trade body’s board meeting on Wednesday over tax issues affecting UK companies.
It will be the first time a UK chancellor has spoken at an ABI board meeting and is a further sign that the Treasury is bending to pressure over its controversial tax proposals.
An ABI spokesman confirmed a report that the ABI will use the opportunity to ask the Treasury to ensure that UK companies are not taxed on overseas profits. The ABI also wants to play a key consultative role in the government’s UK tax policy review.
Meanwhile, insurers will be given a further voice through Axa group chief executive Nicolas Moreau, who will represent the industry on the government’s new multinational tax forum.
Membership for the forum was announced today by Darling and Financial Secretary Jane Kennedy. The 14-member group, to be chaired by Financial Secretary Jane Kennedy, includes senior representatives of multinational companies as well as senior economists. Its aim is to ensure UK competitiveness.
