image sourced from original article at Sir Ed Davey urged British citizens living in Dubai to contribute more towards funding the United Kingdom's Armed Forces following recent strikes involving Iran. Speaking in the House of Commons, the Liberal Democrat leader criticised what he called 'tax exiles' and 'washed-up old footballers' living abroad, arguing that those protected by British forces should pay taxes in the same way as residents in the United Kingdom.
His remarks came as tensions escalated in the Middle East after Iran responded to attacks by the United States and Israel. Although the United Kingdom did not participate in the strikes, the Royal Air Force has begun defensive operations in the region. The government is preparing contingency plans for a potential evacuation of hundreds of thousands of British nationals.
Davey specifically named broadcaster Isabel Oakeshott, who moved to Dubai in 2024, prompting a sharp response. Oakeshott said many British nationals overseas still pay taxes on earnings and assets in the United Kingdom and rejected suggestions they were seeking evacuation. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the government has a duty to protect all British nationals abroad while maintaining that any military action must comply with international law.
