From the Observer today, in its business editorial: John Cridland, the CBI’s nerdy director general, is hardly the man for a punch-up. But in a sunny Westminster conference room last Thursday, he launched what he bullishly called a “fightback”. Just as cabinet ministers have been shamed into offering to tell us about their personal finances,
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Can I recommend this article by Tess Riley of UK Uncut and one of the found not guilty of causing criminal damage in Brighton at the close of her trial last week? She offers an erudite explanation of why those who protested acted as they did, concluding Acquitted or otherwise, we know that we are not the criminals in this situation. Acknowledging alternatives
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I wrote the following at the request of the Brighton Evening Argus for publication after the close of the UK Uncut trial in that city, in which I appeared as an expert witness to explain the links between tax avoidance and the cuts agenda of this government. I regret that the judge, sitting as a magistrate, did not accept that the link was close enough
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U2 heads the line up at Glastonbury festival this weekend and the stage is set for Art Uncut’s events targeting their tax dodging. Away from Glastonbury, at the Bull and Gate in Kentish Town, London,Art Uncut in conjunction with Big Society Entertainments is organising an evening of comedy and debate in support of the Fortnum & Mason 145. The comedians
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Governments throughout Europe continue to give tax handouts to bankers and big business while cutting back on public services for old people, sick people, children and those in need. We have clear choices ahead of us: we need to resist the tax handouts without control being taken of the banks. We need to resist the tax haven economy. We
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Questions have been raised about how I define the difference between tax avoidance and tax compliance. Following my blog on the ethics of tax avoidance it was, for example, said: I am a little puzzled by something you have written and wonder if you explain a little further. You say: “‚Ķand the law does provide
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I love this: Faced by a challenge from young people who believe in something, our political and media mainstream is confounded. It is also scared. And it should be. It is so true. Read the rest of this thoughtful piece on UK Uncut and its importance for democracy.

Dennis Howlett, a long term blogging friend of mine has a great blog on his site about another blogging friend and commentator here -  Stuart Jones, senior partner 3CA, chartered accountants based in Kendal. As Dennis says: He’s a really nice person who works hard to do the best he can for his clients. He
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The Observer noted yesterday that: Behind the scenes, those companies that have been targeted, such as Topshop, Vodafone and Boots, are angry and frustrated that their staff and customers are being affected by protests. One senior executive, who would only speak privately and anonymously, says: "This is the most difficult communications issue I have ever
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