The Robin Hood Tax was at the centre of a political debate in Manchester yesterday. And so far is winning 4-0!
During a question time type of debate in Manchester City Centre, Tony Lloyd MP for Manchester Central (Lab), Graham Brady MP for Altrincham and Sale West (Cons) and Mark Hunter, MP for Cheadle (Lib Dem) expressed their support for the Robin Hood Tax- although each of them had slightly different views on it.
When asked whether they support the Tax, Tony Lloyd MP said he was very much in favour of it and was hoping that an international agreement on it could be reached at the next G20 meeting in June. Mr Lloyd also mentioned that the cost of adaptation to climate change is a very important issue and must stay high on the international political agenda.
Mr Hunter, MP for Cheadle, was enthusiastic about the Robin Hood Tax- he enthusiastically stated that it was a great idea whose time has come. Mr Hunter said: “It might not be easy to implement it, but worth trying!”.
Mr Brady instead was more cautious. He praised the concept of a financial transation tax, but was doubtful about how something like that could work on an international scale.
Similar doubts were expressed by Ivan Lewis, MP for Bury South, who took part in a discussion on climate change during an ‘Age of Stupid’ screening in Prestwich. Mr Lewis thinks that the Robin Hood Tax is a good idea and it is likely to go ahead, given the fact that it has wide support in the Uk and the EU. He also pointed out that the US could be making better noises about it, but there is time to possibly turn this round.
So 4 Greater Manchester MPs, four slightly different views, but all quite positive about the Robin Hood Tax!