Hague backs calls for simpler tax plan

The former Tory leader, along with Bradford Council Leader Kris Hopkins, met bosses at Keighley-based Wells Spiral Tubes, who are calling for an end to excessive red tape and regulation on businesses.

Philip Wells, managing director of the firm, based on Airedale Road, Keighley, told Mr Hague increases in bureaucracy were holding back businesses and their ability to function efficiently.

Mr Wells said: "Every two years our forklift truck drivers need to take a training course on how to do a job they have been doing for 30 years. This means they are off work for half a day or else they have to be told they cannot to the job. Let's get real.

"It was useful to have the opportunity to welcome William and Kris to the factory and to have a chat about some of the main challenges facing the business."

Wells Spiral Tubes was established in 1967 and is one of Britain's oldest and biggest independent producers of spiral tubes. Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus, Mr Hague said: "When Gordon Brown became chancellor, tax regulations ran to some 3,800 pages. It is now around 8,000 pages.

"Taxation is a drag on the British economy. Forecasts for the world economy point towards difficult times for the year ahead. Like George Osborne says, simpler taxes are what is needed and we need to have less regulation to bring this about.

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to come to Keighley to meet Philip and his team and to get this point across.

"This place is a sign to people who say we cannot make and manufacture things in Britain anymore that we can."

Mr Hague then travelled to Fairweather Green fire station where he, alongside parliamentary candidate Zahid Iqbal, heard about the latest road safety campaign, Safer Roads, Safer Bradford.

Philip Gwynne, from the West Yorkshire Casualty Reduction Partnership, along with representatives from the police and fire service were also there to talk about the challenges of road safety.