MPs/MEPs must publish tax returns says Davies

A call has been made for all Members of Parliament to publish their tax returns to strengthen public support for the democratic process.

Liberal Democrat MEP Chris Davies says that holders of public office, and candidates seeking election, should accept that complete transparency regarding their financial affairs will soon become an absolute requirement.

He said: "We all know that many people on the doorstep claim that politicians are only out for themselves. It is an utterly false claim, and is generally made from a position of complete ignorance. But only by publishing the details of our income can truth will out."

He wants parliamentarians to embrace the idea rather than be forced "kicking and screaming" to accept that such disclosures will soon become inevitable.

Mr Davies, who has been a member of the European Parliament since 1999, was commenting after the issue took centre stage in the contest for the London mayoralty.

He already publishes his tax returns on his personal website.

Mr Davies commented: "There should be nothing to hide. Everyone in receipt of public money should be required to make their tax returns publicly available. This should include all politicians and candidates for public office.

"But the demand for transparency will not stop there. Doctors, nurses, teachers, civil servants and local government employees will eventually be in the same position. It will foster more informed debate about the values we attach to the different roles people perform.

"I have published my tax returns for the past two years and frankly no one has given a damn. Secrecy and concealment create problems, but openness and transparency quickly becomes routine and dull."