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Increased red tape is destroying small business, warns Michael

Small businesses are being smothered by red tape under the Labour government, claimed shadow chancel...

Small businesses are being smothered by red tape under the Labour
government, claimed shadow chancellor Michael Howard in his speech at the
Association of British Insurers conference.


He claimed the tax and legislation burdens on small businesses have
steadily increased during the past six years, stating: "In 1997, the UK
was ranked in the top 10 in terms of world competitiveness. Now, we are
number 16. There have been 60 tax rises since 1997 and the government now
takes the equivalent of an extra

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