Pillar 2 and 3 withdrawal (retiring): UK tax question

Hi, I'm finding it hard to get a simple answer to this question so I hope someone can help! I have just retired (age 65) and am leaving Switzerland to return to the UK shortly. I have about 200K in a Pillar 2 vested account and 70K in a Pillar 3 account, both with VIAC. I know about transferring to a lower tax Kanton, and I know I will pay withholding tax when I withdraw the money. My question is whether I also then pay UK tax on the transfer to my UK bank account? I have read that I can claim back the withholding tax paid in Switzerland, but I don't want to do that if this means I then have to pay UK tax -- as the Swiss tax is certain to be lower. Thanks.

Hi Sandy. Here's a (hopefully) simple answer to your question:

The double taxation agreement between Switzerland and the UK (Article 18.2) seems pretty clear that you should only pay the Swiss withholding tax and not UK taxes.

But since the amounts involved are not low, I highly recommend enquiring with Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs.