NEW rules designed to take more VAT from aimed at online giants like Amazon are having an “alarming” effect on affecting small businesses, according to a Ukip politician claims.

Amjad Bashir, a Bradford businessman who became a and Ukip MEP, said at least 200 UK businesses had closed in the first week of the new rules.

He said: “The new regulations were designed to take more VAT from online giants such as Amazon but are actually heaping complex new regulations and burdens on to small businesses.”