Tax shame Apple ‘uses Brexit as an excuse to RIP OFF Britons’

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Tech corporation Apple was accused of using Brexit ‘as an excuse’ to hike its prices

The iPhone retailer signalled the falling rate of the Pound as a reason to ratchet up the cost of various gadgets.

A 13-inch Macbook Air, for example, rose from £849 to £949. This is despite the computer being the least expensive of the company’s range of laptops.

While the price of the larger Mac Pro rocketed by £500, from £2,499 to £2,999.

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The price of the Macbook air rocketed £100 to £949

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Apple was handed a whopping £11billion tax bill from the European Commission

Apple are using Brexit as a convenient excuse to impose huge hikes in their prices

David Bulk

The company, which has been embroiled in a row with the European Union over alleged tax avoidance, said it sets its prices based on factors “including currency exchange rates, local import laws, business practices, taxes, and the cost of doing business”.

The sterling has seen its value drop by almost 20 percent against the dollar since the June 23 vote, meaning British-made goods are cheaper abroad.

But foreign products are also dearer, as Apple is making less selling the same computer in the UK compared to in the US.

Veteran City commentator David Bulk said: “To pass on the drop in sterling in one hit is completely unnecessary and unwarranted.

“Apple are using Brexit and the drop in the value of the pound as a convenient excuse to impose huge hikes in their prices.”

The Government has said it would “welcome” the retailer to the UK after the EU headed the silicon valley firm an eye-watering £11billion Irish tax bill.

The European Commission ordered the company to pay billions in back taxes after a probe into state aid it received in Ireland.

But Downing Street said it would welcome any company “willing to invest in Britain”.