The UK government's recent proposal to increase tax breaks for some of the world's wealthiest companies, like Meta and Amazon is appalling. While we recognise that these corporations contribute to the economy, it must also be acknowledged that they benefit from the infrastructure, stability and workforce that the country provides, supported largely by taxpayers. 

Rather than reducing the digital services tax, the focus should be redirected towards ensuring accountability of these large corporations and investing back into the community. Figures from 2020 show that Meta paid just £28.5 million in UK corporation tax, despite posting record sales of more than £2.2 billion (source: BBC News). Meanwhile, Amazon paid £6.3 million tax on profits of £13 billion (source: The Guardian).

Reducing the tax further will only widen the wealth disparity, opening up the potential for increased societal inequality and poverty. The government should not put their most vulnerable citizens at risk in favour of corporations' interests. Funds saved from maintaining or even increasing the digital services tax, could be appropriately used to support initiatives such as disability benefits, which directly affects the lives of some of the most vulnerable. Join me in signing this petition - urge our government to reconsider its plans and uphold corporate social responsibility.