Overview
- Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson Sarah Olney announced a proposal for a 4% tax on share buybacks by FTSE 100 companies, inspired by Joe Biden's policy in the US.
- The tax aims to raise £2 billion annually, which the party plans to invest in public services and green industries.
- Critics argue that share buybacks inflate share prices at the expense of productive investment, an issue the Lib Dems aim to address with the new tax.
- The proposal is part of the Lib Dems' effort to prepare for the general election, targeting traditional Conservative strongholds.
- Lib Dem leaders criticize the current government for raising taxes during a cost-of-living crisis in an unfair manner, and call for bold action to encourage investment and economic growth.