Robin Hood Tax campaign hits local councils in UK

The Robin Hood Tax campaign in the UK steps up efforts by lobbying local councils to demand the government implement a financial transaction tax.

Ottawa (06 June 2013) – Even though Europe is jumping on board with the Robin Hood Tax, the UK government is trailing far behind. Not only are they blocking European progress at every turn but also refusing to implement a Financial Transaction Tax (commonly called the Robin Hood Tax) where so many could benefit.

The Robin Hood Tax is a tiny tax (0.05 per cent) that would be levied on all financial market transactions to raise resources for fighting poverty and climate change at home and abroad. It would cover financial transactions traded through stock exchanges, futures exchanges or any other facility established for the purpose of trading ("exchange trading") by financial market actors.

UK attempting to block Robin Hood Tax

Supporters of the Robin Hood Tax, of which tens of thousands opposed George Osborne as he mounted a legal challenge to the European Robin Hood Tax, are using new tactics to keep the pressure on to ensure the tax comes to the UK.

Campaigners point out that the government of the UK paid to bail out the banks. As a result of the massive bailout, and austerity measures afterwards, millions of citizens still feel the repercussions on a daily basis.

But activists see the Robin Hood Tax as a solution.  They point out that the tiny tax could help reverse the impact of savage public sector cuts, raising money for vital local services and creating new jobs all across the country.

It's time to get local

Millions of people are still feeling the repercussions of the 2008 financial collapse and bank bailouts. People continue to be inspired by the solution of a Robin Hood Tax. They see what a huge difference it could make to communities, to the country and to the world. This tiny tax could help reverse the impact of the savage public sector cuts, raise money for vital services and create new jobs everywhere.

Supporters will be going to every local council in the UK to urge them to join the campaign in support of the Robin Hood Tax. A number of council have already passed motions in favour of the tax, and many more are being approached by volunteers across the country.

Canada's campaign for Robin Hood Tax

In Canada, the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) has been working in the Robin Hood Tax coalition to urge the Harper government to implement the tax. The idea is incredibly popular, and growing, with Canadians but is being ignored by the Conservatives. You can find out how to get involved in this important campaign by going to robinhoodtax.ca.

More information:

Robin Hood Tax Canada