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How many MPs have signed motion to abolish IR35?

Published on Jun 2, 2009 |

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Ten weeks after a Lib Dem MP called for IR35 to be abolished, 85 MPs have signed the Early Day Motion backing up the call.

Just after the ten year anniversary or IR35, Lorely Burt MP raised EDM 1124 which:

"calls on the Treasury, in light of the current economic difficulties, to remove unnecessary barriers to enterprise and to abolish IR35 at the earliest opportunity."

Which MPs signed the motion?

47 out of the the 63 Liberal Democrat MPs in the Commons have signed the motion.

Just 22 Conservatives have signed, along with a combined 4 votes from smaller parties.

Amusingly, 10 Labour MPs have also called for the abolition of IR35.

What does the EDM mean?

An Early Day Motion is tabled by MPs for debate on "an early day" - they are open for signatures for the duration of the parliamentary session.

Very few EDMs are actually debated, however, they are used more to gauge parliamentary support for specific issues.

Will IR35 be abolished?

It seems very unlikely that the current Government will do anything to dismantle IR35 before the next election, despite recent reports that the legislation raises just £1.5m for the Treasury each year.

Instead, hopes are more likely to rest with the next Government, who may feel that IR35 is one stealth tax they can afford to do without, given that its revenue raising powers are somewhat 'limited'!