Mulholland, who represents Leeds North West, says that there are what he calls ‘victims of fraud’, resulting from the mis-selling of investment schemes and pensions, who are being ‘aggressively pursued’ by HMRC for tax liabilities.

His argument is that whilst those perpetrating the fraud have made huge amounts, the participants have not made much, if any, financial gain and in most cases have actually lost funds, with some being very large sums.

Mulholland says they are facing huge tax bills, with claims that some are at risk of potential bankruptcy and homelessness. He argues that HMRC is ‘in many cases are not pursuing or even properly investigating the perpetrators of the fraud who have deliberately abused the tax system’.

The early day motion calls on the government to amend legislation to introduce a tax exemption for victims of fraud in respect of tax liabilities that have arisen as a result of the fraud and to create an independent specialist task force to investigate how victims of fraud and mis-selling are being treated under tax avoidance and pensions legislation by HMRC and who should rightfully be responsible for the stolen tax.

Now that the general election has been called, Parliament will dissolve on 3 May and the current focus is on the so-called ‘washup’ period of the last few days of a parliament, during which unfinished business, including key bills, must be agreed by both Houses or lost.

Greg Mulholland’s early day motion is here.