Closure of the HMRC office at International House in Ealing

That this House notes that the pressures on HMRC arising from the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, including the possibility of greater variation in customs and tariff arrangements, makes it imperative that retention of staff expertise is prioritised; further notes that the proximity of HMRC’s Ealing office to Heathrow airport makes it a strategically important location in allowing tax officers to link up with Border Force officials; regrets that management proposals to close the Ealing office will result in the loss of many highly-qualified and experienced members of staff who are unable to relocate to the new Regional Hub in Stratford; offers support and solidarity to members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union taking industrial action to protest at the planned closure; and therefore calls on HMRC management to suspend the existing plan to close the site and seek agreement over alternative arrangements.