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Disqualification from Parliament (Taxation Status) Bill

I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) on securing this debate. He has raised the question of the tax status of Members of the other place previously, including through early-day motions, and I am pleased to give the Government's view on the matter. The Government agree with the intention underlying the Bill—that Members of this House and the other place should pay taxes in the United Kingdom. That is an important way in which they demonstrate their connection with and commitment to our country. The public would find it odd if their elected representative in this House could, as a tax exile, vote on the provision of income tax but was not subject personally to that regime. I doubt that the electorate would consider that fair.