Tony Lloyd MP is calling on Lib Dem MPs to vote against the unfair VAT rise.

Tony said, 'People deserve to know who is supporting this unfair increase in VAT. It would be wrong for the Tories and Lib Dems to make this change without a vote in Parliament so that they can avoid public scrutiny.

'I want a vote on this issue so that I can oppose this change which would hit so many people in Manchester especially pensioners and those on middle and low incomes. I know that the budget deficit needs to be reduced but I don’t think that the most vulnerable groups in our society should pay the highest price.

'The Lib Dems campaigned against a VAT increase but the party leadership have now abandoned their principles. It’s time for Lib Dem MPs to decide if they want to turn their backs on the people they claim to represent or vote against this increase which both David Cameron and Nick Clegg agreed before the election was regressive, hitting poor people the hardest.

'I am today launching a petition to be delivered to Manchester Lib Dems to let them know how people in Manchester feel about the proposed increase. Please show your support by signing my petition against the unfair VAT rise. You could also contact your local Lib Dem MP or councillor directly their contact details can be found at: http://manchester-libdems.org.uk/contact/'

You can also sign up to Labour's national online petition at: www2.labour.org.uk/vat

Liam Ronan,

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kamil sariyer,

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karen taylor,

Amanjit Khaira,

Kieran Roberts,

William Price,