Stop multi-nationals dodging tax urges Baptist Assembly
Delegates at the Baptist Assembly in Blackpool have voted to campaign against multi-national companies that evade paying tax in third world countries.
Following the vote the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB) and BMS World Mission have agreed to raise with the UK Coalition Government the Baptist Assembly's concern 'regarding the negative impacts of tax dodging and avoidance by some companies, which are estimated to cost poor countries $160 billion each year'. They will also call on the UK Government to 'show international leadership in negotiating international tax transparency for all multi-national companies and an end to tax haven secrecy'.
The public resolution, debated on the final morning of the Baptist Assembly, was proposed by BUGB Treasurer Malcolm Broad MBE and seconded by BMS World Mission Manager for Mission Partnerships, Steve Sanderson. Malcolm Broad said that stopping tax dodging could help countries overcome poverty. “It is vital that the underlying structural causes of injustice in our world are addressed if poverty is ever to be overcome,” he said. “And tax dodging is increasingly recognised as one of those structural causes too important to ignore. Baptists need to join this campaign.”
Christian Aid, who has been vocally against tax evasion has welcomed the vote by Baptists. “Christian Aid is delighted that the Baptist Assembly has given its support to our Trace the Tax campaign,” said Alasdair Roxburgh, Christian Aid Economic Justice Campaigns Officer. “It is a massive boost to the campaign and sends a clear signal that Baptist churches sees this as a serious issue which must be tackled.”
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