No To Retro Tax – Campaign Against Section 58 Finance Act 2008

[Buzby]

Option a

I appreciate that this "game" can be frustrating. I appreciate that understanding the devil in the detail is not easy. I appreciate that it should be much easier.

We're taking on the Establishment people. Not civil unrest or marches or "go slows". We're following a process that allows us to engage with Parliament. I don't like the mechanism any more than the rest of you. But that is what it is and emotion matters not I'm afraid.

In the short time NTRT has been operational they have achieved more than any of us could have managed individually - MP's are listening. And whilst you might want more now - tough. But the silence in the debate last night when Mills and other spoke - on tax avoidance of all things - there were no jibes or quips in the background. MP's listened. When did you think that would happen in Parliament?

So there's a choice.

A. Support NTRT both financially and personally

B. Go and do you own thing

This whole episode as been a nightmare, at least we are a more defined group now with NTRT and we just need to follow advise from Whitehouse on how this process will hopefully bring an end to it.

[Buzby]

Contributions

I agree with what you said - I was very unsettled about engaging a lobbying firm initially. But the fact is that we would not have been heard at all without them. If you’ve been following this thread you will know that we’ve tried to engage MPs in the past – we had only minor success.

This is the system that we have.

Another unfortunate aspect is that when we deal with members of the government, as opposed to plain MPs, we are actually taking to a figure head. They have a separate legal personality that represents the view of the department rather than – oh let’s say – common sense.

Did you listen to the debate on the Finance Bill last night? For the most part the Minister did little more than read out a pre-prepared answer. Compare that to the debate back in 1987 and it is clear that the civil servants have more power today than the Ministers and MPs.

That’s what we’re up against – we’re not fighting the MPs – not even Gauke – it’s the civil servants. And that’s why we need professionals to represent us. Those professionals cost money.

It’s a tiny fraction of what your potential liability is – If everyone contributed the equivalent of their interest bill or even national insurance bill then we could have the best of representation in every area. I’m not asking you do to that, but I am pointing out to those who have not joined the campaign yet that they should be here with us. The more that joins the quicker we can ramp this thing up.

I have already joined, Just made another contribution. Thanks to everyone who has given up time foc for NTRT.

[DonkeyRhubarb]

So there's a choice.

A. Support NTRT both financially and personally

B. Go and do you own thing

Last night, after the comments posted by some non-members on this forum, I would have worded (B) a bit less politely.

[DonkeyRhubarb]

I have already joined, Just made another contribution. Thanks to everyone who has given up time foc for NTRT.

Thank you!

Out of interest, did you use the new facility for making further donations?

Join Now | No To Retrospective Taxation

[BrilloPad]

Last night, after the comments posted by some non-members on this forum, I would have worded (B) a bit less politely.

hahaha

Mr understatement.....

[Buzby]

Contributions

Thank you!

Out of interest, did you use the new facility for making further donations?

Join Now | No To Retrospective Taxation

Yes, all worked ok.

[the great escape]

Thrown in the towel?

We've only just got started.

The NTRT newsletter will explain all.

Although I still haven't received a response to my 2nd letter to Mr Afriyie, I did mention in closing that "...the issue is gaining profile. I would like to ensure that you are made fully aware of the facts as events continue to develop". I was theerfore considering firing of an update via post or email to force a response. Practicalities of making a visit to the surgery are still a way off for me - circa late July/early August.

Is anyone else considering this approach or are most waiting for instructions from Whitehouse?

[travellingknob]

some are intelligent, some are not

Last night, after the comments posted by some non-members on this forum, I would have worded (B) a bit less politely.

Reading with interest the comments over the last few days it is very apparent that we have 3 types of ppeople contributing:
1) The ones who read, learn, understand and appreciate the parlimentary process and efforts of others
2) The ones who rant first, then read, then realise, learn & appreciate. Thats understandable and forgiveable in these emotional circumstances.
3) The ones who are not open minded enough to ever comprehend. Unfortunately neither will they comprehend the option b) DR referred to above. I urge the ones in this category to open their minds a little more.

One thing is for sure, next time we go to the polls, everyone reading this forum will understand a lot more about what they are voting for than they've ever understood before. Due to HMRC injustices you are now in the top 1% of most educated voters in the UK.

[smalldog]

WHS

And to add to that, playing this "game" aint free. Last night's amendment was effectively bought with NTRT hard cash - no suggestion of any illegal wrongdoings - merely that to stand any chance of getting a foot in the door, you need to pay lobbyists to show you how to open it.

That's not a knock at Whitehouse, who appear to be doing a good job. More anger at the system that requires such firms to exist

did you honestly think it was anything more than a "game" to these guys? Its willy waving of the highest order...

[smalldog]

Although I still haven't received a response to my 2nd letter to Mr Afriyie, I did mention in closing that "...the issue is gaining profile. I would like to ensure that you are made fully aware of the facts as events continue to develop". I was theerfore considering firing of an update via post or email to force a response. Practicalities of making a visit to the surgery are still a way off for me - circa late July/early August.

Is anyone else considering this approach or are most waiting for instructions from Whitehouse?

Hi escape, he is also my MP and has been remarkably quiet for someone so against retro tax. Ive now prodded him twice with zero response, might have to go camp out on St Leonards to make my point!!