So the VAT rise has gone through and there haven't been any changes made so that it would be more progressive. So what can we do next? Well pressure MP's across all parties to either drop VAT as soon as possible or to make changes so that there are even more progressive exemptions as I mentioned in a previously post. I'll also try and find out which MPs voted for VAT and who against in case any Lib Dems/Tories did rebel, however due to the 75 majority I doubt it.
Although this isn't great news it is worth noting that after Mandelson's revelations that Darling wanted to raise VAT it seams that any party may have lead to a VAT rise.
Before it passes into folklore, it is also worth pointing out that whilst Darling wanted to increase VAT to 18 or 19% (less than 20%) he was overruled by Gordon Brown. So there were no secret plans to increase VAT as some Tories seemed keen to imply yesterday.
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