The insurance industry is calling on Gordon Brown to freeze taxes on insurance premiums in his forthcoming budget.

In an interview with ePolitix.com, Marie-Louise Rossi, the chief executive of the International Underwriting Association, calls on the chancellor not to raise tax on premiums.

Forum Response: General Insurance Standards Council

Catherine Nicoll, head of communications at the General Insurance Standards Council, told ePolitix.com: "As a regulator charged with consumer protection, I certainly agree with Marie Louise Rossi's observation that in the end it is the policyholder who pays if premiums have to rise for whatever reason to ensure solvency."