Bit rich to get big tax breaks

In York today, Jeremy Corbyn will set out Labour’s vision for wealth creation and distribution in this country.

York is the city of Rowntree’s, the confection family who gave us the Kit Kat and Fruit Pastilles but also philanthropy and fighters for social reform. They were of a time when big business gave back to the community.

I am proud to represent the true wealth creators, the workers.

I state this not as an anti-business point – indeed, I am proud that my union has members right across the economy, including in the Blue Chip jewels in the City of London’s crown.

I am saying it because in all my years as a negotiator I have never once come across a businessman who made a penny without the dedication and labour of the workforce.

But what of the corporate giants of today? They seem less keen to do their duty by those who make them rich.

That is why there is a £25billion tax gap in this country. High street and internet giants prefer greed to paying their way.

Paying your taxes is your patriotic duty. But instead of going after the tax avoiders and evaders, the Tories plan a mega-billion bung to their friends in the City in the form of a corporation tax giveaway.

The wealthy make as much use of our roads, our NHS, our infrastructure and benefit from our educated population as the rest of us.

So my message to them is clear: “Pay your taxes, you thieving b ******* .”