I was on the BBC's Today programme this morning and addressed the policy issues that my report for the TUC raises. Mike Warburton was the respondent. You could summarise his argument as 'there's always been tax avoidance so what are you worried about'?

Mike, there's always been murder too. Should we stop worrying?

It really is time accountants raised their game. To say, as Mike did, that my report is simplistic and hope people will ignore it is absurd. The issue is real, it's not going away and it needs to be addressed. But people like Mike Warburton will carry on with their heads in the sand. That's the state of the UK tax profession, unfortunately. You could say they take the money and run, if only that were too close to the truth to be comfortable.