'I was forced to leave the UK!' British businessman slams Labour for 'persecuting' middle-class workers

He told GB News he "never ever wanted to leave the UK" but was forced to move to Monaco last year due to the state of Britain's economy.

Speaking to the People's Channel a week before Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivers her autumn statement, Mr Best said: "I'm seeing it from a very different perspective now because I'm outside the UK looking in.

"Honestly, it seems like a horror story that’s already on its sequel. They’re not supporting business, and worst of all, they’re not supporting middle-class workers in the UK.

"They seem to be floating different tax ideas to test public reaction before the Budget is even announced. I believe they’re doing that to see how the general public responds.

He added: "I never, ever wanted to leave the UK. I left because of what I consider persecution and what I see as vexatious taxation.

"I could see the direction the UK was heading. Until we have a forward-thinking Government that realises our country is great, we’ll keep finding ourselves in this situation.

"We’re great for the rest of the world, because we’re feeding the rest of the world, but we’re persecuting the British people who’ve done so much for Britain.

"They’re not looking after the general public right now. I left because I was forced to leave."

Labour’s first Budget last October sparked anger among many high earners, who argued they were already facing an excessive tax burden.

In an open letter to Ms Reeves, a group of wealthy business owners warned the Government’s recent changes, including amendments to Capital Gains Tax, Entrepreneur’s Relief and Employer National Insurance, had pushed up costs for entrepreneurs and companies alike.

These measures followed the previous Conservative government's decision to scrap the non-dom regime, which allowed UK residents with overseas ties to limit their tax liabilities.

However, economists have urged caution over claims of a mass exodus of the wealthy.

A new poll by wealth manager Rathbones suggests one in eight small and medium-sized business owner are considering moving themselves, their companies, or both because of the UK’s tax burden.

The findings mirror other research into the departure plans of wealthy former non-doms and come just weeks before the pivotal Budget, where the Chancellor is widely expected to announce further tax rises.

Ade Babatunde, senior financial planning director at Rathbones, said: “The rich are the backbone of the UK economy, and the fact that many are actively planning to leave the country, whether personally, by relocating their businesses abroad, or both due to the current tax burden is deeply concerning for the Government’s ambition to get Britain growing.

“Their departure would mean the loss of valuable tax revenue and much-needed employment opportunities.”

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