Gordon Liberal Democrat MP and former Opposition Treasury Spokesman, Malcolm Bruce, responding to Peter Hain's proposals on how to make the tax system fairer said:

“Peter Hain has acknowledged that Labour's current taxation policy works against the low-paid, has become excessively complicated and is skewed to benefit high earners.

“I believe that what this country needs is a simplified tax system. We also need to raise the threshold of where people start paying tax. I called for this when Liberal Democrat Treasury Spokesman and will continue to make the case for it, but I am gratified that Peter Hain clearly recognises the sense and benefits of liberal and Liberal Democrat economic policy.”