Wealthy British nationals fleeing Gulf conflict bypass UK to avoid tax bills

Wealthy individuals leaving the UAE are hoping to wait out the missile and drone attacks by spending time elsewhere rather than the UK. Photograph: Sammy Kogan/AP

Wealthy UK nationals fleeing war in the Gulf are seeking sanctuary in countries such as Ireland and France to avoid hefty tax bills back home.

In the face of possible demands from HM Revenue and Customs, high-net-worth individuals who had been living in the United Arab Emirates and neighbouring countries are hoping to wait out the missile and drone attacks elsewhere rather than return to the UK.