TAX should be slashed on repairs for listed buildings, Ukip MEP Amjad Bashir has said.

The Bradford businessman-turned-politician said the 20 per cent VAT rate on such repairs should be slashed to five per cent to help owners maintain Britain’s “historic architectural heritage”.

Mr Bashir (pictured) said: “We believe that abolishing the 20 per cent rate is essential for maintaining Britain’s historic architectural heritage, which is the envy of the world and includes several ‘gems’ in Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire.”