
David Cameron is
facing calls to resign after admitting he owned shares in his father's
Panamanian trust with his wife Samantha, and selling them in 2010 for
around £30,000. Cameron owned about 5,000 units in the Blairmore
Investment Trust but insists they were above board. He also defended
his father, saying criticism of him was unfair. However Labour MP John
Mann called on the prime minister to quit.
In his interview with ITV News political editor Robert Peston,
Cameron said it had been a "difficult few days" as his father was
subjected to criticism and he was attacked for his wealth. Downing
Street has had to issue five statements on Cameron's financial
arrangements since the Panama Papers were leaked five days ago. A Number
10 spokesman now says he will publish his tax returns as soon as
possible.
"We owned 5,000 units in Blairmore Investment Trust, which we sold in January 2010,"
Cameron told Peston.
"That was worth something like £30,000. I paid income tax on the
dividends. There was a profit on it but it was less than the capital
gains tax allowance so I didn't pay capital gains tax. But it was
subject to all the UK taxes in all the normal way. I want to be as clear
as I can about the past, about the present, about the future, because
frankly I don't have anything to hide."
However Labour has launched a series of ferocious attacks on the Prime Minister, with leader Jeremy Corbyn saying the Revenue and Customs should conduct an investigation into Cameron's arrangements.
Labour MP Jess Phillips wrote:
"The sins of Daddy Cameron were not illegal but they are utterly
disgusting. They are worse than the sins of fathers up and down the
country who can't find work, even the most feckless amongst them."
Fellow MP John Mann went
further. Labelling Cameron a hypocrite he tweeted: "Cameron has been
less than honest. He should resign immediately. Most decent people would
expect nothing less. "Cameron has had six years to be honest with
Parliament and the people. He failed to do so. Get out now hypocrite."
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