Sunday political interviews round-up: Theresa May says Conservatives will not raise VAT

Theresa May – Conservatives will not raise VAT

Touring both the BBC and ITV studios today, Theresa May tried her best to avoid giving specific answers about the Conservatives tax policies after the election. However, during an interview with Robert Peston, the Prime Minister appeared to disown David Cameron’s ‘triple lock’ and make a commitment that a Conservative government would not raise the level of VAT above 20% over the next Parliament:

Peston: Given what you say your record as a party is on taxes, do you need to repeat David Cameron’s triple lock – no rise in VAT, no rise in National Insurance, no rise in income tax – do you need to repeat that?

May: Well, I’m clear that we have no plans to raise the level of tax.

Peston: What does the level mean? I’m not sure what that means.

May: In relation to specific taxes, we won’t be increasing VAT, but what I do want to ensure is that we are able to have the strong…

Peston: You definitely won’t raise VAT? That’s a 100% commitment.