Fayed quits Britain for Switzerland after tax row
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Mohamed Al Fayed, the owner of Harrods and Fulham FC, announced last night that he had left Britain for self-imposed exile in Switzerland.
For a man who has spent much of the past 20 years trying to secure a British passport, his departure was a low-key event marked by a simple statement from his Knightsbridge store.
He decided to leave the country after losing a legal battle with the Inland Revenue to retain his special tax status, which allowed him to pay just £240,000 a year.
The Egyptian-born millionaire said he had succumbed to attacks by the "Establishment", which he claims was behind the Paris car crash that killed his son, Dodi, and Diana, Princess of Wales. "The recent grossly unfair treatment at the hand of the Inland Revenue finally convinced me ... the time has come to leave," he said. "I will be spending a little less time physically in the British business but I will continue to play an active role."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments