Dave Hartnett was the HMRC boss who negotiated the notorious tax deal that granted HSBC's bankers virtually guaranteed immunity from prosecution for any crimes they might have committed relating to tax fraud in Switzerland.
And then in January 2013 he went on to work for....HSBC.
You couldn't make it up.
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As Cicero once said, and it’s an acid test of why things happen in any human affairs: “Cui bono?”
If that is not worth a public enquiry then I don’t know what is?
I mean…………….it’s blatant.
Margaret – where are you?
Just one of many examples, Mark C, I can tell you. But this example is exactly why I’ve taken the view for over a decade now that the whole system of the interchange of senior public servants and politicians between the public and private sectors, and vice versa, needs a public inquiry. It is a “system” that was adopted and encouraged for sound, legitimate reasons back in the 1960s, but which has – like most aspects of government and public administration touched by rampant neoliberalism – become corrupted and utterly self serving.
I think this is libellous. I think Dave Hartnett should be shown this post and the comments.
Dave Hartnett told me he read my blof every day when at HMRC. Maybe he still does
I have imply stated facts. Nothing more
The reason was to highlight the absurdity of the revolving door
It is wholly appopriate to do so
Nothing libellous about it. It’s a statement of fact.
It’s not as if this is a rare event re Public servants and industry. People are free to make of it what they will. And the conclusions are rather obvious.
So libellous that Private Eye has mentioned – frequently – what is now near enough public knowledge for the past year or so. It’s out there in the open, unchallenged, for ages.
please don’t spoil Ironman’s fun
He wants to see me in court
When it comes to libel there is an absolute defence in law of truth.
The biggest single issue in British politics today is ‘who governs us and in whose interests’. Time and again the answer is the rich, powerful and those who work for them.
Regardless of one’s affiliations we should all support a proper democratic system where every citizen has a vote, money can’t buy elections and where power is lent to our elected representatives for a limited period. What we’re seeing instead is a situation where power is inexorably drifting away from accountable institutions towards unaccountable ones. It’s a fundamental attack on our liberties.
There are a lot of programmes about The Tudors on BBCTV at present. Sadly, one of the most fascinating aspects of that period is who ran The Exchequer, how they went about it and the ongoing financial crisis that was at the root of so much of the mayhem. I did a blog on one aspect of the A Wolf At The Fold about William Cavendish last week. While some lost their heads, a good many got away with it founding family fortunes. A part of the problem was massive malinvestment such as Henry 8’s fifty five palaces. It is possible that because we had a period from the middish 19th Century to the mid 20th Century of relative probity, we are now in fact back to normal practice.
“It is possible that because we had a period from the middish 19th Century to the mid 20th Century of relative probity, we are now in fact back to normal practice.”
Maybe not. I recall Lloyd George sold peerages, prompting an Act outlawing that practice.
It’s the land. And some of those families still own big swathes of the UK.
If all you are doing is stating facts, then what exactly is your point? This is exactly what weasels do.
People need to know facts
I think you will find, Ironman, that what weasels do is accuse people of libel, without presenting any facts to back their argument up.
You can always tell the weasel by the inappropriate use uf the words ‘just’ and ‘only’ – or in the case of Ironmman, his use here of the word ‘all’.
The facts are important to the honest observer.
In case you haven’t seen it yet, Richard, there’s a very thoughtful and interesting piece on HSBC by Nils Pratley on The Guardian’s web site now, including some very pertinent final comments on Lord Steve Green.
http://www.theguardian.com/business/nils-pratley-on-finance/2015/feb/09/hsbcs-presbyterian-principles-forgotten-in-the-global-dash-for-cash
Very good
Just saw you on Sky TV. I was very impressed.
Thanks
None of this was a surprise to me or other regular readers of your blog, Richard. You have kept us remarkably well informed.
There must be a well-deserved satisfaction for you in seeing the story going mainstream, with all the different threads pulled together 🙂
I would rather I could shut up shop
I doubt I will be able to do that for a long time
So libellous that Private Eye has mentioned – frequently – what is now near enough public knowledge for the past year or so. It’s out there in the open, unchallenged, for ages.
“and the conclusions are obvious” says Peter Vintner. But he doesn’t actually say what those conclusions are does he. I’m afraid the Courageous State and all its hangers on are showing themselves for the sneaky little cowards you all are. Press delete Richard.
Why would I do that?
If you want to look stupid, feel free
Richard – Can you clarify.
I think I understand that the Swiss HSBC accounts were ‘undeclared’ by their UK owners and now they have been exposed they are being asked politely by HMRC to pay the tax on any interest accrued.
But where did this money come from?
Can it be anywhere else than money ‘hidden’ by numerous accountants in numerous small and large companies which was then taken in cash to Switzerland (presumably in a suitcase) and deposited there?
This MUST be illegal so why aren’t HMRC investigating this aspect?
it is likely to be undeclared earnings
Accoumtamts need not be imvolved in that process
Thye may be, but mot necessarily
I’m new to this party. Richard: thank you, I was not at all aware of this story, which I will now share as widely as possible.
PS Ironman: I’m concluding that you’re making a fool of yourself.
I don’t see anything libelous about printing a line from somebody’s C.V
Dave Hartnett?
This Dave Hartnett?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Hartnett