Meacher beaten by hot air

AN attempt by Oldham MP Michael Meacher to create jobs with extra taxation on the richest section of society has been defeated in the Commons.

The Oldham West and Royton MP tried to make law that the top 250 earners and top 150 companies make their finances public and pay extra tax on money made since the financial crisis.

But his Private Member’s Bill was talked out of the Commons by Tory MPs filibustering, a parliamentary procedure in which debate is extended by long speeches to block legislation introduced by back-benchers.

Mr Meacher said: “Friday was a good example of the anti-democratic arrogance which has reduced these bills to a pointless facade. Due to the usual Tory suspects my bill was talked out.”

Mr Meacher’s Anti-Tax Avoidance Bill hoped to create an extra £35 billion in taxes on the money made by the richest people since the financial crisis four years ago.