Tax transparency an election winner for Labour

John McDonnell`s response to the Paradise Papers leak has been excellent, and his plan for an immediate public enquiry into tax avoidance, a "specialist tax enforcement unit" and the "public filing of tax returns" for large companies and the rich appear to be exactly what is needed (Morning Star, 16/11/17). In fact, all those in the shadow cabinet should be doing everything they can to publicise these plans, and force as much of local and national media to make them universally known.

   What might add to Labour`s argument, and cause May`s government further embarrassment, is the possibility of everyone in the shadow cabinet making public their tax returns. Corbyn did this last year with some impact, but the effect could be multiplied if they all did it. Why not make it compulsory for all Labour MPs, and for future candidates in forthcoming elections? Whilst we are on the subject, why not publish a list of all expenses claimed by Labour MPs, and voters would benefit, too, from knowing if they employ members of their own family on their staff, and whether they are landlords.

 The more distance and difference voters can see between Labour and Tory MPs the better the chances of winning over the still worryingly high numbers of government supporters.