Tax protest is stand againt war

Roy Prockter insists he will not pay up

An Essex consciencious objector says he will not be handing over outstanding taxes he has been ordered by to pay.

Accountant Roy Prockter, 53, of Thorpe-le-Soken, wanted the £160 he owed to go to a non-military conflict resolution fund.

He did not want any of the money be used in a conflict with Iraq.

He believes that war and all preparation for war is wrong.

Quaker friends

"This tax will be used to pay to kill people in my name and I will not allow that," he said.

"I've got a case because the Human Rights Act allows me to practice my religion, which is Quaker, and for over 350 years Quakers have been opposed to all wars and all preparations for war."

The bulk of his taxes are collected via employers, bankers, and suppliers, but the small balance of £160 needed to be paid directly.

He sent off the cheque but because he did not make it payable to the Inland Revenue, it could not be processed.

Political arguments

As a result he was summoned to Colchester Magistrates Court.

On Tuesday magistrates said they had neither the intention nor the jurisdiction to listen to political arguments.

Mr Prockter left court, supported by a handful of Quaker friends, maintaining he would not pay the cash because of his beliefs.

"I will not pay. I suppose the next move is up to the revenue."