Condemnation Of The Poll Tax

EDM number 658 in 1989-90, proposed by Jimmy Wray on 05/03/1990.

That this House believes the poll tax is one of the most pernicious measures ever allowed to go through Parliament; sees the arrogance which Her Majesty's Government displayed against considered and well-argued opposition from honourable Members of all political parties, churches, workers and employers' organisations, students and voluntary groups during the poll tax parliamentary debate, as a typical case of abuse of power combined with political folly; is aware that the implementation of the poll tax in Scotland has created not only tremendous hardship but also a most disgraceful violation of the privacy of individuals and families and undemocratic results for the electoral registration of the citizens; is also aware of similar ill effects and confusion surrounding the implementation of the poll tax in England and Wales, and especially recalls an episode in which a Minister demonstrated the prying character of this legislation by publicly releasing personal information on Opposition Members; accuses the Government of bringing the law and the institution of Parliament itself into disrepute; and demands that this unjust, oppressive and undemocratic legislation be immediately repealed, and that the legislation be abolished.

This motion has been signed by a total of 43 MPs.