Yet another media storm has been kicked off by the so-called revelations contained in a huge number of papers which have been 'leaked', though from where doesn't seem to be stated.
It seems that evil people have been using 'tax havens' to avoid paying their taxes. Shock ! Horror ! Even worse, it's reported that some of the investments of the Duchy of Lancaster, from which the Queen benefits, have been made in these dreadful places.
It's hardly a surprise to find that the BBC is deeply involved in reporting these supposed wrongdoings. Indeed, this morning it had the shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, John McDonnell in full voice on the 'Today' programme; he went on and on without saying anything other than sounding outraged, though I have no doubt that many will have believed that his bluster actually did have meaning.
For the avoidance of doubt, Tax Avoidance is perfectly legal, in fact many would say that it's the duty of every citizen to ensure that they abide by tax law, exploit whatever 'loop holes' are available and only pay the taxes which are due. Successive governments have actually introduced some 'loop holes' quite deliberately into the system, with special tax treatments for pensions, ISAs, investments in the arts or forestry and so on. Why should using these 'loop holes' be considered acceptable, while using others is considered something akin to a capital offence ?
The way in which Tax Avoidance has been conflated with Tax Evasion in recent years is worrying. Those who use Tax Avoidance measures are being increasingly portrayed as Tax Evaders, which is fundamentally wrong. Tax Evasion is illegal and should be met with the full force of the law; Tax Avoidance is perfectly legal and should be applauded.
Those like John McDonnell who simply can't abide the thought that there are people who have more than them should shut up whining, and organisations like the BBC should stop giving them an outlet for their tedious political posturing.
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