MPs call for inquiry into tax avoidance by companies

MPs are pressing for a Commons inquiry into levels of tax avoidance by multinational companies.

Public criticism is mounting over the tax arrangements of major companies including Vodafone, Arcadia and Barclays, which have been targeted for campaigns of civil disobedience by groups such as UK Uncut.

The Commons Treasury Select Committee has already heard evidence about Vodafone's tax bill during an investigation into the workings of HM Revenue and Customs.

Now Labour members of the influential committee are privately calling for it to launch a wide-ranging inquiry into the whole issue of corporate tax avoidance. It could result in the bosses of large companies, such as Sir Philip Green, being summoned.