From politicians to students, economists to the Archbishop of Canterbury and even the Prime Minister, the support has been growing for the Robin Hood Tax.
After championing the cause in Parliament last Wednesday, Nottingham MP Graham Allen got merry again during a televised debate with Chief Executive of the British Bankers Association, Angela Knight. Then Gordon Brown backed a Robin Hood style tax during a news conference with Nicolas Sarkozy, saying that he and the French President had “stuck with the idea” of a financial transactions levy despite others’ scepticism.
The British Prime Minister also recognised the excellent work which Robin and his merry band have been doing, calling it “a formidable online campaign” on the BBC’s East Midlands Politics Show.
There’s been high profile support from other areas as well. Following his appearance at the RSA, leading economist Jeffrey Sachs has been explaining how the time has come for a financial transaction tax in an article in The Guardian and a letter in European Voice. Archbishop Rowan Williams and Richard Curtis wrote in The Sunday Times that the tax was the best way of tackling poverty at home and abroad.
As well making a splash at the highest level of government and across the media, Robin Hood supporters – the people who make this happen – have been busy this week. On Tuesday, the Student Stop AIDS Alliance held a panel discussion with representatives from the three main parties on how a Robin Hood Tax could fund international aid. Students in Edinburgh also got merry, and raised money for Alzheimer Scotland by using coins to make a picture of Robin with his bow and arrows.
Finally, we have an important action for the growing band of Merry (Wo)Men in the lead up to next Wednesday’s UK Budget announcement. If you want Chancellor Alistair Darling to show his support for our good idea, then send an email asking him to introduce a Robin Hood Tax on sterling transactions. There’s been an amazing response so far but there’s not much time left, so get involved and spread the word!
Tell the chancellor to support the Robin Hood Tax
Find out more about the Robin Hood Tax