I note that the Department for Education has defined Britishness. According to the Telegraph:
The Department for Education named the “fundamental” values as democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, and “mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs”.
I thought I should apply this to the City of London's lawyers, about whom I wrote yesterday. Let me repeat what they have said, as noted by the Law Society Gazette:
The City of London Law Society revenue law committee has called for the creation of an independent body with the power to veto tax legislation.
In a response to the Office of Tax Simplification's competitiveness review, the committee says HM Revenue & Customs officials may have understated difficulties when briefing ministers
The committee response adds: ‘Whilst to some extent inevitable in a democracy, these phenomena are hugely damaging to the UK tax regime's reputation for stability, and the creation of a constitutional check to limit the scope for them to occur would in our view be of real benefit.'
So let's apply that Britishness test, shall we?
Democracy? That's a fail: they hold it in contempt.
Rule of Law? That's a fail too: they want to overturn it.
Individual liberty? It's a fail again: they want liberty for a few, not all.
Mutual respect? I don't think so! On this it's 'agree with us or else'. It's another fail.
So, zero out of four for the City lawyers on their Britishness test. Time for a detention, I think.
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What is your score do you think? Or how about protesters outside of Boots? Incidentally, I think mutual respect means mindfulness and decorum, rather than admiration or agreement as it is often the context it is used in these days.
It is a surprisingly good definition and interesting to test out on groups as you have done.
A peaceful protest outside Boots is wholly consistent with all those principles
In fact, if could be considered the core of Britishness, such was its respect for democracy, the rule of law, rhe rights of all and differing views
Childish and petty, Richard.
Whilst you’re in this mood, have you examined your own attitude to “mutual respect” of those who disagree with you?
No, factual and accurate
And I respect all who disagree with me
But not their views
“And I respect all who disagree with me”
Weren’t you calling Andrew Jackson stupid on this very blog yesterday?
Yes
Respectfully
It didn’t come across respectfully 🙂
However, as with all your comments, I considered its merits and formed my own conclusion as to its validity; I take no offence.
OK
Sorry
We all have a right to privacy. YOu don’t disclose your bank account details. So why should anyone deemed wealthy be expected to share theirs.
Is anyone asking them to?
But, I stress, incorporation and the use of trusts does require disclosure, in my view
Ah but look at Britain’s history – great traditions of maritime exploration, empire and… piracy. All very much in the mould of British values dear boy!
[joking]
Claiming the four ‘fundamental values’ cited as ‘Britishness’, makes me a little uncomfortable. There are many countries which hold to these values; Australia, Canada, and most of Europe to name some.
Me too
It’s absurd
But I liked hoisting them by their own petard