article_snippet.sent: Labour appeared split on Labour proposed new 50p top rate of income tax today after shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna said it should only be a temporary measure.
article_snippet.sent: His remarks highlighted divisions in Labour's top ranks over the 50p rate, introduced for the last few weeks of Gordon Brown's government as a trap for the Tories.
article_snippet.sent: When George Osborne reduced it to 45p, arguing the rate was deterring businesspeople and ‘wealth creators’, Labour railed against what the rate has ever since called a 'millionaires' tax cut'.
article_snippet.sent: In fact, the rate applied to income over £150,000, and Labour has said Labour will reintroduce Labour if re-elected.
article_snippet.sent: The Scottish National Party has pledged to vote in favour of a 50p top rate if The Scottish National Party holds the balance of power after May 7.
article_snippet.sent: But Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls is said to want the new top rate to be temporary, while Mr Miliband is more ideologically wedded to maintaining it.
article_snippet.sent: During the Labour leadership race in 2010, Mr Miliband said the 50p rate should stay in place and was 'not just about reducing the deficit, it’s about fairness in our society'.
article_snippet.sent: Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls, speaking in Birmingham today, is said to want the new top rate to be temporary, while Mr Miliband is more ideologically wedded to maintaining it .
article_snippet.sent: During the Labour leadership race in 2010, Ed Miliband - pictured campaigning in north London today, said the 50p rate should stay in place and was 'not just about reducing the deficit, it’s about fairness in
article_snippet.sent: Labour’s Shadow Chancellor has refused to rule out reducing the top tax rate back down to 40p, where it was during Tony Blair's entire period of office.
highlights_snippet.sent: Mr Umunna remarks highlighted divisions in Labour's top ranks over the 50p rate .
  
highlights_snippet.sent: Ed Miliband said the 50p top rate of tax was 'about fairness in our society' 