Sisters lose European tax battle

Sisters lose European tax battle The Burden sisters have been fighting their case for years

Two British sisters have lost their final battle to avoid paying inheritance tax when one of them dies.

Joyce and Sybil Burden, aged 90 and 82 respectively, have lived together in Wiltshire all their lives.

The sisters appealed to the European Court to enjoy the same tax rights as married and gay couples, which do not apply to cohabiting siblings.

In a 15-2 vote, Human Rights judges in Strasbourg ruled they did not face unfair discrimination.

The sisters, whose campaign has been part-funded from public donations, vowed to continue lobbying Parliament despite their "bitter disappointment".