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Ritchie’s desires on tax law

Second, it’s rejected any idea of a panel of tax industry experts having control of this process, as adopted in the UK General Anti-Abuse Rule, and third it is saying that the general anti-avoidance rule must be wide reaching, recommending:

introducing a rule to give the GAAR priority over any other legislative measures and international double tax arrangements.

That last is the key point. The UK General Anti-Abuse Rule backed off from this. Scotland is not going to do so. They’re right. Westminster very definitely got it wrong.

Isn’t that wonderful? He’s actually arguing for a super law, a Star Chamber sort of idea. Be damned with the law, whether it be domestic or international, don’t worry about the promises that government has made to Johnny Foreigner. If we don’t think you’re paying enough tax then you’re not paying enough tax.

Isn’t that just great? Tax avoidance is the Devil for which we must cut down all the laws of England and Wales?

11 thoughts on “Ritchie’s desires on tax law”

  1. Surreptitious Evil

    And who is the ideal person to chair that panel? There’s just one obvious candidate!

  2. The GAAR won’t be taking priority over any international treaty because from this day forth Scotland will not be able to pursuade anyone to sign any treaty with it.

    It has just made itself a pariah nation.

  3. If Scotland does become independent then it has only two choices of political pork–socialist or socialist. It really will end up as a complete shithole. The contrast between the beauty of the land and the poverty and misery of its inhabitants will be mind boggling.
    Bet Ritchie won’t be migrating up there tho’–no matter how much they are living out his “principles”.

  4. Mr Ecks

    Sorry no. The true calibre of the Scots is displayed on this blog by SE, no poverty of any sort there. If Scotland does go to the dogs England will welcome him.

  5. I’m beginning to hope Scotland votes for independence. Scotland’s voters say they want socialism, based on their voting patterns over the years, and if they vote Yes they’ll get it good and hard.

    It would amuse me to watch. Not least for the rejuvenation of Carlisle, as the last bastion of free enterprise before entering the Scottish Socialist Republic. It would be stuffed full of companies trucking goods north to avoid being based in Scotland. Ironically all the oil money would find its way south anyway, to pay for the imports.

  6. The contrast between the beauty of the land and the poverty and misery of its inhabitants will be mind boggling.

    The 18th Century beckons?

    Scotland’s voters say they want socialism, based on their voting patterns over the years, and if they vote Yes they’ll get it good and hard.

    Only, really, since the 1970s. And, even then, the SNP was a mix of left and right. Salmond is about as right as the SNP gets, now. Christine Graham is more typical.

  7. One of the few compelling arguments in favour of retaining the Union has been that we don’t want the equivalent of Belarus on our doorstep even if England is not footing the bill for their adolescence. I’d say, to hell with it – just refortify the border and abolish the EHRC and HSE and use that money to add a military presence with a ‘shoot to kill’ policy.

    Ironman, you are spot on as ever – Scotland is fast becoming a pariah state – no wonder the EU is balking at having to pickup the tab….

  8. the equivalent of Belarus

    In the wildest of Ecktopian dreams, Scotland is never going to manage to equal Belarus. Not enough people or natural resources.

    South Island, without the film industry or the ability to play rugby properly, perhaps.

  9. “we must cut down all the laws of England and Wales?” The Law of Wales was cut down centuries ago. England’s turn will come: that’s life.

  10. Dear Mr Worstall

    A General Anti-Abuse Rule for taxes? So no more abusive taxes! Whoopee!!

    That is what they meant, isn’t it?

    DP

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