William Hague, the Tory shadow foreign secretary, is under pressure to respond to a letter sent four times by David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, about when precisely Hague learned that Michael Ashcroft was not paying tax on his overseas earnings, and whether Ashcroft has taken part in discussions between Hague and foreign officials during overseas trips in countries where Ashcroft has business interests.
Below is the full letter.
William Hague
Conservative Campaign Headquarters
30 Millbank
London
SW1P 4DP19 April 2010
Start the new year with a New Statesman subscription from only £8.99 per month.Dear William,
I wrote to on 21st March, 29th March, 6th April and 12th April asking you two simple questions. I still await a response to the following questions.
1. Why did you say in my presence on March 4th that you learnt “a few months ago” that Lord Ashcroft was not paying tax on overseas earnings because of his non domiciled tax status, when in fact you admitted on Friday night (March 19th) on Any Questions that you knew this to be the case from 2000?
2. On the occasions when Lord Ashcroft has flown you, or others, around the world has he participated in meetings with foreign officials with you in countries where he has business interests?
I have yet to receive a reply and would request that you respond as a matter of urgency. This is matter of credibility for you and trust for the general public.
Yours sincerely,
David Miliband
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