Portsmouth MP joins rebellion against VAT increase
Portsmouth South MP Mike Hancock has become part of the first rebellion against the new government after refusing to support a VAT hike.
Mr Hancock was one of two Lib Dems who voted with Labour to oppose the increase as MPs began to vote on a series of budget measures last night.
He voted in favour of all the budget proposals outlined by Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne in his speech last week apart from the controversial VAT hike which takes the takes up 2.5 per cent to 20 per cent.
In siding with Labour to vote against the increase, Mr Hancock and Bob Russell, MP for Colchester, became the first Lib Dems to rebel against the coalition government.
Mr Hancock said he could not agree with a measure that is expected to cost the average UK family 425 a year.
Mr Hancock said: 'Most of the budget is unfortunately necessary. But I can't support the VAT rise. It will be much harder for the poorest families and that's not fair on them. I will vote against it, and encourage my colleagues to do so.'
MPs will continue to vote on the budget in Westminster tonight.
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Weather for Portsmouth
Saturday 26 May 2012
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