Phil Wilson, Labour MP for Sedgefield, responding to the Tory Free Enterprise Group proposing to remove exemptions from VAT, said:

“This shocking proposal to increase the price of food and children’s clothes by 15% shows the true face of David Cameron’s Conservative Party. They don’t understand the pressures facing British families, and they just don’t care. At a time when families are facing a cost of living crisis, you have to be spectacularly out of touch to suggest putting VAT on food, children’s clothes and books.

“And their plan to raise VAT on gas and electricity to 15% would add £120 to the average energy bill.

“There are 42 Conservative MPs, including Government Ministers, listed as supporters of the Free Enterprise Group- they should immediately distance themselves from this proposal to hit families with further increases in the cost of living.”

Editor’s notes:
1. The Free Enterprise Group briefing note can be seen online here:
https://twitter.com/JohnLehal/status/402385065927532544/photo/1