January 2, 2013 13:21

Jean Michel Jarre denies UK move to escape French supertax

The French electro composer dismisses reports that he is relocating his business ventures to London

Photo: PA Photos

Jean Michel Jarre has denied that he is plotting a move to the UK in order to avoid France's proposed "supertax".

Earlier this week (December 31), Downing Street confirmed that the synth-wielding Frenchman had attended a business meeting with UK government officials. A spokesman said at the time: "Jean Michel Jarre visited Downing Street to meet with officials about Tech City, London's media and technology hub. There are a growing number of businesses and entrepreneurs from across the world who want to be part of the technology cluster in east London and we are keen for that to continue."

French president François Hollande is keen to introduce a so-called "supertax" of 75% on individual incomes over €1m (£810,000) a year. However, he faces competition from the country's constitutional council, which has recently vetoed his legislation. The proposed supertax has already prompted veteran French actor Gérard Depardieu to announce that he is moving Belgium.

In the midst of the controversy surrounding the "supertax", Jarre has now dismissed reports that he is hatching relocation plans of his own. Confirming that the musician will remain based in Paris, Jarre's representative said in a statement: "For many years, Jean Michel Jarre has had personal and professional links with the UK, none of which were ever motivated by any French political measures."

Jarre's representative also revealed that his Downing Street visit concerned the possible creation of a school for electronic music and a potential business collaboration with Tech City. Alongside his successful recording and touring career, the electro composer owns Jarre Technologies, a company which makes high-end speaker docks for iPods, iPads and iPhones.

Jean Michel Jarre, 64, released his last studio album in 2007. He is best known for making pioneering albums of ambient electronica like 1976's 'Oxygène' and 1978's 'Equinoxe'.

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