United Against Fraud: Cross-Party Politicians Back the Fight Against Unjust HMRC Tax Charges
14 July 2025

Across the UK, victims of fraud — particularly those hit with unjust HMRC tax charges — have been left without justice, support, or recognition. Many were drawn into fraudulent investment schemes or pension scams, only to face the crushing blow of subsequent tax bills. For years, this issue has remained largely under the radar.


That’s changing — thanks to courageous political leadership and growing cross-party support.


Political Champions Leading the Way


The Investment Fraud Committee are deeply grateful to the politicians who have stepped forward to support victims and call for change.


We especially want to recognise the members of the Investment Fraud Committee, whose work has been vital in turning political attention into action:


Alex Sobel MP – A consistent advocate who has shown unwavering commitment to understanding the complexities victims face, both in and out of Parliament and co-chaired the Investment Fraud APPG’s November 2023 inquiry into the issue.


Sarah Bool MP – A leading voice in support of fairness and financial accountability, championing victims in committee discussions and parliament and now co-chair of the Investment Fraud & Fairer Financial Services APPG 


Lord John Mann – A long-time fighter against injustice who brings deep insight and gravitas to this campaign. Many victims were moved to tests during his powerful speech on their behalf at the recent summit held in Parliament by the Investment Fraud Committee. 


These parliamentarians have gone above and beyond — giving victims a platform, challenging the unjust tax system, and helping drive the campaign forward with clarity and compassion.


Honouring Ongoing Support from Parliamentary Leaders


We are also proud to have had the early and ongoing support of two highly respected figures in Parliament:


Caroline Nokes MP, now Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, has been a consistent ally throughout our journey. Her decision to speak at our recent Parliamentary Summit — alongside Alex Sobel MP and Sarah Bool MP — sent a powerful message of solidarity to victims and campaigners alike.


Sir Stephen Timms MP, now serving as Minister for Disabled People, has long shown a thoughtful and sincere commitment to the cause. While his current role means he cannot publicly campaign, his past advocacy continues to inspire and influence our work.


We thank them both for their integrity, compassion, and lasting support.


A Campaign with Purpose: Challenging Unjust HMRC Charges


Our current campaign is focused on a deeply unfair reality: victims of fraud being pursued by HMRC for tax on funds, in some cases,they never actually gained — in many cases, victims of scams or investment frauds now face life-altering tax demands.


This is not just a policy oversight. It’s a human injustice. And it must be fixed.


Our goals include:


Stopping the double punishment of fraud victims


Securing fair, consistent treatment from HMRC


Creating clear redress pathways and oversight mechanisms


Ensuring victims’ voices shape future policy


The Moment Is Now: We Need More MPs to Step Forward


We are seeing real momentum. But we cannot stop here.


To every MP reading this: Please

Join us. Add your voice to the growing call for justice. Whether you represent a constituent, sit on the committee, or simply believe in fairness — you are needed.


Ways you can help:


Attend one of our cross-party virtual calls


Speak out in Parliament or in local forums


Raise questions to HMRC and the Treasury


Back future legislation and policy change to protect fraud victims


Together, We Can Fix This


This campaign is not about party lines. It’s about people. About restoring dignity, trust, and fair treatment to those who’ve been let down by both criminals and the system meant to protect them.


To get involved or receive a full campaign briefing, please contact us.


Let’s show victims that Parliament is listening — and acting.

21 July 2025
The Investment Fraud HMRC Campaign is calling for urgent government action to end what it describes as a two-tier justice system—one in which victims of fraud and financial abuse are handed unjust, unaffordable tax bills, while the perpetrators, enablers, and facilitators walk free, often continuing to offend without consequence. From investment scams and pension mis-selling to cases of financial coercion within abusive relationships, victims have been left devastated—facing retrospective tax demands, interest and penalties, despite having acted in good faith or under duress. “This is institutional injustice,” said victim representative Sue Flood. “Victims are being hit with crushing demands, while those who orchestrated the frauds are rarely investigated. Worse, many continue to operate unchecked, targeting new victims.” ​​​​Systemic Harm, Ignored Victims HMRC is pursuing vulnerable individuals for tax liabilities arising from fraud and financial abuse they didn’t understand or control. In some cases, the stress has triggered mental health crises, suicide attempts, bankruptcy, and homelessness. Victims include people with mental health conditions, keyworkers, and survivors of coercive financial abuse. A recent article in the Dorset Echo exposed a case in which a woman was penalised for undeclared income her abusive husband secretly deposited and withdrew from their joint account. Despite her lack of knowledge—and her suicide attempt during the HMRC inquiry—officials ruled she had “no reasonable excuse” and enforced penalties dating back many years. Meanwhile, Offenders Go Unpunished At the same time: Advisers, scheme promoters, and financial abusers often face no enforcement or regulatory action; Many continue trading or working in financial services, with no accountability; The system allows repeat offending while victims bear all financial and emotional consequences. Our Demands The Investment Fraud HMRC Campaign is urging and the Government to: - Suspend enforcement against historic victims of financial abuse, mis-selling and fraud; - Investigate and hold to account those who facilitated and profited from fraudulent activities and scams; * Embed the Victims’ Code in HMRC procedures and train staff to recognise and support vulnerable taxpayers; * Reform tax rules and guidance so victims are not unfairly penalised for actions beyond their control; * Introduce a fairer settlement process for historic victims, based on principles of fairness, proportionality, and affordability. “The system must recognise the lived reality of victims. No one should be financially destroyed for something they didn’t understand, didn’t cause, and couldn’t control. We are calling for fairer, affordable outcomes—before more lives are needlessly shattered.” Carly Barnes-Short, Lawyer and Investment Fraud Commitee Co-Chair. MEDIA AVAILABILITY Victims, cross-party MPs, and leading experts in law, policing, and tax policy are available for interviews. To arrange interviews or request supporting case material please contact us:
7 May 2025
Westminster – 12 May 2025 This event marks the official launch of the Investment Fraud Committee—a new initiative sitting within the APPG on Investment Fraud and Fairer Financial Services. At the centre of the summit is the launch of the committee’s first national initiative: ‘Fair Tax for Fraud Victims’ —a campaign calling for urgent policy change to stop the double victimisation of historic victims who were deceived by third party professional advisors, only to be penalised by HMRC with unfair tax demands, interest, and penalties. Pension Savers and Professional Athletes in the Spotlight The IFC will place a particular focus on two of the groups most heavily impacted: pension savers and professional athletes, who have been aggressively targeted by unscrupulous advisors and scheme promoters and are now facing devastating financial and mental health consequences. The campaign will challenge the system that has allowed perpetrators to walk free while innocent victims are left bankrupt and traumatised. Summit Goals: • Launch the Investment Fraud Committee and its ‘Fair Tax for Fraud Victims ’campaign • Demand an immediate inquiry into HMRC’s treatment of fraud victims • Challenge the false narrative that paints victims as “tax avoiders” rather than victims of fraud • Call for a fair settlement scheme, urgent safeguards, and the creation of an appropriate tax framework • Oppose the expansion of HMRC’s powers without new protections for victims • Raise national awareness of the mounting toll—financial, legal, and psychological—facing victims Confirmed Speakers Include (in alphabetical order): • Andy Agathangelou, Founder, Transparency Task Force • Carly Barnes-Short, Co-Chair, Investment Fraud Committee • Sarah Bool MP, Co-Chair, Investment Fraud Committee • Andy Cole, Former England & Manchester United Footballer • Jeremy Cornford, Financial Advisor & Victim Advocate • Brian Deane, Premier League Footballer & Victim Advocate • Sue Flood and Kim Goldsmith, Victim Representatives appearing alongside numerous victims • Professor Nigel Harper, Former HMRC Official • Lord Mann, Former Treasury Select Committee Chair • Simon Myerson KC, Leading Tax and Fraud Barrister • Danny Murphy, Former England & Premier League Footballer • Baroness Newlove, Victims ’Commissioner • Margaret Snowdon OBE, Chair, Pension Scams Industry Group • Anthony Stansfeld, Former Police & Crime Commissioner • Michael Thomas, Former Professional Footballer Many of the victims—particularly those in the pension and sports sectors—were deceived into complex investment schemes and so called pension liberation schemes by rogue advisors. Decades later, they find themselves under investigation by HMRC, facing unaffordable tax bills including disproportionate interest and penalties. As in the Post Office Horizon and Loan Charge scandals, this summit will reveal how government inertia, flawed systems, and institutional denial have created another national injustice. Event Details: • Title: Another Post Office Scandal? Ten Years of Injustice for Investment Fraud Victims vs HMRC • Date: Monday, 12 May 2025 • Time: 16:00–19:00 • Location: UK Parliament – House of Commons Committee Room CR20 • Hosted by: The Investment Fraud Committee (APPG on Investment Fraud & Fairer Financial Services) • Supported by: The Transparency Task Force Media interviews and photography available from 18:30 onwards. Media Contact: Sue Flood Victim & Media Representative The Investment Fraud Committee sue.flood58@gmail.com  Social Media: @investfraudcom