The world is shrinking! If UK businesses feel they are paying too much tax in the UK they will simply relocate to another more hospitable regime. The same is true of the entrepreneurial wealth-creators and inventors who have been the backbone of this economy for so long. The UK economy cannot afford to lose businesses or entrepreneurs who create jobs and wealth.

Even retired 'Brits', many of them taxpayers, who could contribute to the overall tax-take in the UK are voting with their feet and looking for warmer climates and more hospitable tax regimes.

If the British public realised just how much of their hard earned income was being taken in one form or another by Government, there would be a mass revolt. Income tax, national insurance, corporation tax, council tax, value added tax, insurance premium tax, landfill tax, airport taxes, fuel taxes, stamp duty land tax, inheritance tax, capital gains tax and road fund licence. Unfortunately there is no comprehensive research showing just how much of the income of a typical household goes back to the Government. Perhaps such research is long overdue!

What is needed is a straightforward simple tax system which is fair, understood and transparent which encourages businesses and wealth creation. This then needs to be coupled with a social security system that protects those who cannot protect themselves and encourages personal responsibility.

Politicians then need to be held accountable for the promises which they make to the electorate.

This Government's promise 10 years ago was not to increase income tax. What price this promise - when they have just increased national insurance instead!