If you run a business in the UK, you now have conclusive proof that, to save their own skin, this Tory government has chosen to sacrifice your ability to compete on the altar of the global money markets.



So much for the so-called Tory pro-business, pro-growth tax agenda. Clearly, the Tories now view UK businesses as an easy target.

We know Jeremy Hunt’s decision to bow to market and political pressure, reverse the corporation tax cut and keep it at 25% from 1st April will have come as a shock and disappointment to businesses across the country. Although a 19% rate for smaller business will continue to apply in certain circumstances, this still puts all UK businesses at a competitive disadvantage when compared to the EU Republic of Ireland, which is likely to continue its highly competitive 12.5% Corporation Tax regime into 2023. If Ireland can do it, while in the EU, why can’t the Tories achieve the same an independent UK?

This Tory government could not have made their anti-business decision at a worse time. Inflation is roaring ahead; energy prices are at a record high and demand is down due to the cost-of-living crisis. Even though UK businesses (especially smaller businesses) have still not fully recovered from the effects of Covid, this government is increasing pressure on them all.

The good news is that the UK Independence Party does stand firmly with UK business.

We understand that, in particular, smaller businesses need help to encourage investment and growth. We are the party of low taxes, unlike the Tories. We therefore call on the Tories to reduce taxes on UK businesses, especially smaller businesses.

There are ways the Tory government could help small traders if they really care about them (which we doubt).

The UK Independence Party therefore calls on the government to adopt and implement our long-standing manifesto policy to abolish business rates. Business rates are a major cause of the loss of high street shops and industrial estate businesses. It is time to scrap them completely. The UK Independence Party would scrap them now, but will the Tories? Don’t hold your breath.

The Tories are no longer the party of business (large or small). Labour never has been, as they are the party of the heavily unionised public services.

I would therefore encourage small traders to join the UK Independence Party now; get involved with our campaign in their local area and help us to get a better deal for smaller businesses.

Steve Grimes

UK Independence Party - Spokesman for Business, Trade and Foreign Affairs