Anneliese Dodds comments on reports about tax evasion schemes being operated in 21 countries

Anneliese Dodds MP, Labour’s Shadow Treasury Minister, commenting on reports about tax evasion schemes being operated in 21 countries, said:

“It is worrying to see a number of UK-linked Overseas Territories named on the OECD's new 'golden visa' blacklist.

“As the OECD has pointed out, these schemes can prevent information sharing to stop tax dodging and money laundering.

“The UK Government needs to use its leverage with these Overseas Territories to get them to clean up their act.

"The Government also needs to get a stronger grip on our own 'golden visa' system - given recent revelations about individuals who have benefited from the scheme being involved with money laundering.”

Ends

Notes to editor:

-      Tax evasion: blacklist of 21 countries with 'golden passport' schemes published

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/oct/16/tax-evasion-oecd-blacklist-of-21-countries-with-golden-passport-schemes-published?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

-      On 10 October Global Witness and Transparency International produced research showing how ‘Golden Visa’ schemes are enabling corruption https://www.globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/corruption-and-money-laundering/european-getaway/