Is it OK to break the law if you are a Tory?

Varian seems to me that at the moment Gransnet is doing the work of the opposition. What is wrong with the way the government, opposition and civil service co-exist? The thread has developed from issues surrounding NZ and his lack of accountability.

Good on the grannies though

Unfortunately *ronib", I do not believe that Gransnet is required reading for Tory politicians, or indeed anyone in a position of power.

Varian you don’t know who is reading the posts.

Quite right ronib I don't know.

If I thought that GN posts are being read by folk with influence I would be encouraged to post much more.

ronib

Varian you don’t know who is reading the posts.

Why would that matter when the information being discussed is in the public domain ronib, it’s not as though state secrets are being shared, is it?

Casdon no that’s not the point. My husband has posted stuff for a long time and he has discovered that gradually ideas get debated and get more generally considered. Nothing to do with state secrets.

Voters have influence too. Just a thought

I really don’t think that there are people working for politicians scanning Gransnet for ideas though ronib, do you? These are the sort of conversations you have down the pub (although maybe some people are slightly less polite online), there’s nothing amazing in it - they may be surprised that so many grans do understand what’s going on I suppose.

Casdon forget about politicians. It’s the actual Gransnet contributors who each have a vote. Although maybe we’re stymied with the offerings but that’s a different issue!

Germanshepherdsmum

Not all partners in Magic Circle firms.

I thought you’d had your last word ! hee hee

I think we need to focus.

ronib

MaizieD Civil Service World 12th January 2023 article by Jackie Smith is a good start on Inland Revenue

I can't find it, ronib. I can find the journal, but not the article. Do you have a link to it?

MaizieD civilserviceworld.com
Go to news
Then about 15th down on list
HMRC - not deploying
Sorry using mobile phone so can’t paste link

Dan Neidle sets out the whole story of his involvement in the Zahawi affair.

If anyone's interested

www.taxpolicy.org.uk/2023/01/19/zahawi_story/

Got it, ronib. Thanks.

I was searching on Jackie Smith, but it's Beckie Smith...

Sorry MaizieD I’m tired 😴 I think my neighbour might know Dan as both once at Clifford Chance! I wonder if Dan is interested in some of the issues we raise? Probably not….

MaizieD Dan Neidle has the utmost respect for Rishi Sunak’s intelligence and probity tweeted Dan. I don’t know what to think!

MaizieD

Dan Neidle sets out the whole story of his involvement in the Zahawi affair.

If anyone's interested

www.taxpolicy.org.uk/2023/01/19/zahawi_story/

Pretty damning. Hope GSM has read it.

An HMRC investigator of 40 years, talking on LBC, discussing Zahawi, confirmed that Zahawi has had to pay a 30% penalty. That percentage is at the start of the range for deliberate and concealed errors - ie fraudulent.

Exactly!

Fleurpepper

Probably because so many of them are guilty of same! Disgusting.

We should all write to our MPs about this, and say exactly what is in the OP.

I totally agree. The others are probably doing exactly the same

What Zahawi did is criminal, and yet………….

Zahawi is a crook he knew exactly what he was doing, he had his comeuppance with a 30% surcharge now he needs to loose his job, we don’t need MPs that deliberately evade taxes.

Most tax evaders who are charged with that level of evasion are taken to court and often imprisoned.

30% penalty will almost certainly increase as more comes to light.

Just watched the Kuensberg programme- other Tory ministers are squirming, but refusing to answer. They don't even say 'ah interesting question'- just squirm.

Honestly, forget about that seat belt- THIS is the question that needs answering.