David Cameron, secrecy and tax avoidance

[Staunton 18]

In 2013 David Cameron resisted a push from the EU to create a register disclosing who has 'beneficial ownership' of trusts – i.e. who actually benefits, who profits from offshore trusts.

 

This was not a remote technicality in some far off tax haven, but an attempt by the European Parliament to create transparency, and the British Government successfully lobbied for the loophole allowing secrecy in such matters to remain. This is all detailed in today's Financial Times.

 

When the UK Government tells us that they are working hard to end tax avoidance in secrecy jurisdictions, it is essential to remember that this is an empty claim – it just isn't true! They are in fact working hard to keep the electorate from developing any clear idea of what is really happening as the wealthy avoid paying tax.

 

And please bear in mind that this has a real impact for us ordinary people here in Sheffield as the enormous reduction in tax revenue leads directly to cuts in vital services and job losses for public sector workers.

[ricgem2002 11]

And please bear in mind that this has a real impact for us ordinary people here in Sheffield as the enormous reduction in tax revenue leads directly to cuts in vital services and job losses for public sector workers.

funny how the people sticking up for these tax avoiding people don't realise this

[Obelix 11]

oooh look it's a socialist love in with the usual suspects.

 

It's not realised btw because it's not true.

[ricgem2002 11]

oooh look it's a socialist love in with the usual suspects.

 

It's not realised btw because it's not true.

 

you talking about yourself and your toytown tory mates on here

[Berberis 10]

When has it changed so that you can be tried for the sins of your father?

[RonJeremy 10]

When has it changed so that you can be tried for the sins of your father?

 

Which presumeably weren't even sins.

Trial by pitchfork.

[Berberis 10]

Which presumeably weren't even sins.

Trial by pitchfork.

 

Correct, but the socialist types don't let facts get in the way of a good grumble.

[rodnreeluk 10]

I'm not saying that I agree with tax avoidance, cos I don't, but I don't think you can blame the people. It's the system that is wrong and you can't blame people for taking advantage of it. It is human nature. The same applies to our benefits system. If you know what to ask and what is available, you can be quids in. If you don't know, you lose out.

[foxy lady 10]

Correct, but the socialist types don't let facts get in the way of a good grumble.

 

It does seem a shame though for folk who are so keen to find a politician who broke the law and defrauded the tax payers. So here is one. A nice picture as well.

 

http://converseprisonnews.com/mcshane-jailed-for-expenses-fraud/

 

Disgraced former Labour minister Denis MacShane has been sentenced to six months at the Old Bailey after admitting making bogus expense claims amounting to nearly £13,000.

 

The ex-MP previously pleaded guilty to false accounting by filing 19 fake receipts for “research and translation” services.

Edited April 7, 2016 by foxy lady

[SqueakyPete 10]

It does seem a shame though for folk who are so keen to find a politician who broke the law and defrauded the tax payers. So here is one. A nice picture as well.

 

http://converseprisonnews.com/mcshane-jailed-for-expenses-fraud/

 

Disgraced former Labour minister Denis MacShane has been sentenced to six months at the Old Bailey after admitting making bogus expense claims amounting to nearly £13,000.

 

The ex-MP previously pleaded guilty to false accounting by filing 19 fake receipts for “research and translation” services.

 

Are you trying to start a game of MP scandal trumps or something?

[RonJeremy 10]

Are you trying to start a game of MP scandal trumps or something?

 

Your turn.

Recentish please

[Obelix 11]

Are you trying to start a game of MP scandal trumps or something?

 

OK that could actually be quite a hilarious game to play... the Panama papers are going to mean a fair few emerge....