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A Glasgow SNP MSP has filed a parliamentary motion backing HMRC in their handling of Rangers' tax affairs.

John Mason, who represents Shettleston , lodged the motion on Friday under the 'Importance of Trust in the Tax System' title.

It highlights HMRC ’s denial of any “mistakes” in their handling of the Ibrox club’s case and the need for public trust in the body to be “paramount”.

Motions are a way for MSPs to highlight local issues or achievements and as an opportunity to spark debate but no other politicians have supported the SNP man so far.

The motion states: "That the Parliament notes the recent publication by The Times, which stated that Rangers FC’s insolvency was the result of an HMRC overestimation of taxes owed by £50 million; understands that HMRC has stated that no such mistakes were made and that it won its case against Rangers’ tax avoidance scheme in the Supreme Court; recognises that HMRC has also stated that "inaccurate and partial reporting only serves to undermine public trust in the tax system", and considers that public trust in the tax system is paramount given the importance of taxation for the provision of public services and ensuring a fairer and more progressive Scotland."

Controversy erupted after a report in The Times on November 13 suggested Rangers should only have been charged £20m for the use of EBTs between 2001 and 2010.

HMRC took the highly unusual decision to comment on the allegation through their Twitter account in an attempt provide clarity.

They stated: "As widely reported today and to clarify: HMRC won against Rangers’ tax avoidance in the Supreme Court, and did not miscalculate anything."

The Department then took matters a step further, with HMRC Chief Jim Harra taking the significant step of penning a letter to Scottish Times editor Magnus Lewellyn, claiming the newspaper's coverage had been "partial".

It said: "I am writing in relation to your coverage of Rangers' tax affairs on 14th November 2019

"The article is incorrect: HMRC did not make any mistakes that led to the club's insolvency.

"HMRC won again Rangers' tax avoidance in the Supreme Court .

"We have a long-standing claim with the liquidators to recover the money due as a result of this judgement.

"The United Kingdom has one of the lowest rates of unpaid tax anywhere in the world.

"Inaccurate and partial reporting only serves to undermine the public trust in the tax system.