UK Indymedia - UK Newswire Archive

UKUncut secure challenge of Goldman Sachs tax deal

13-06-2012 20:55

A High Court judge has declared that the anti-cuts campaign group UK Uncut Legal Action should be allowed to take forward their case against HMRC over its decision to let banking giant Goldman Sachs off of up to £20 million in tax- owed since December 2010. This blow to HMRC comes ahead of tomorrow’s report from the National Audit Office who have been investigating five similar tax deals with as yet unnamed companies, but believed to include Goldman Sachs and Vodafone.

The case for a judicial review is being led by campaign group UK Uncut Legal Action – a spin-off organisation from the UK Uncut protest movement – and public law specialists Leigh Day & Co. It is expected that the court hearing will be in October and last five days. UK Uncut Legal Action’s case is being funded by thousands of small donations from individuals, largely raised through appeals on Twitter and Facebook.

This follows months of parliamentary scrutiny in 2011 over the way HMRC deals with the tax affairs of big business. In a report published in December 2011, the Public Accounts Committee concluded “We have serious concerns about how the Department handled some cases involving large settlements, where governance arrangements were bypassed or overlooked until it was too late.” The report also described the organisation as unaccountable and secretive, and declared that senior tax officials gave “imprecise, inconsistent and potentially misleading” evidence to parliament.

Today’s ruling gives permission to UK Uncut Legal Action to take forward a judicial review which will decide whether or not the alleged ‘sweetheart deal’ with Goldman Sachs was legal. The judge did not give permission for the group to take forwards a claim seeking to ‘quash’ or strike down the deal, and the group are consulting with their lawyers on whether or not to appeal this decision.

Murray Worthy of UK Uncut Legal Action said “We welcome the courts decision that we can take forwards our case challenging the alleged ‘sweetheart deal’ between HMRC and Goldman Sachs. The judge agreed that this case is clearly in the public interest and that HMRC have real questions to answer about the legality of this deal.”

“It is vital that these issues are addressed in court. The National Audit Office and Public Accounts Committee investigations are looking at policy issues, but this case is a question of legality and justice which only the courts can decide.”

“The public have a right to know why a multi-billion pound investment bank appears to have been let off the tax they owe while vital public services are being cut. The government is making a political choice in making ordinary people pay for the economic crisis with their jobs and pensions, rather than clamping down on billions of pounds worth of tax avoidance by big business.”

Richart Stein of Leigh Day & Co said “I am really pleased that the courts have decided that a public hearing can go ahead looking into the deal between HMRC and Goldman Sachs. We look forward to seeing the NAO report and we will re-consider how we advance the case after we have seen it.”

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(1) DETAILS OF THE TAX DISPUTE

In the 1990s, Goldman Sachs set up a company offshore in the British Virgin Islands called Goldman Sachs Services Ltd, which appears to have been designed to conceal the size of their bankers’ bonuses. Goldman Sachs also begrudged paying its share of UK national insurance on these six-figure bonuses.

The company, along with 21 other investment banks and other firms, purchased blueprints for an avoidance scheme called an employee benefit trust (EBT). It took the Revenue until 2005 for the courts to rule that these EBTs were merely illegitimate tax avoidance devices. Whilst the other firms surrendered and handed over what they owed, Goldman Sachs refused to pay its £30.81m bill.

By 2010, it is estimated that the unpaid bill with accumulated interest had mounted to £40m.

In April 2010 a judge threw out the claim from the bankers that their true employer was in the British Virgin Islands. In July 2011, HMRC’s own QC, Malcolm Gammie, gave “broadly positive” advice that the government was in a strong position to get all of its money.

However, on 30 November 2011, a high-level HMRC committee heard that their top expert, David Hartnett, had met Goldman’s tax director, Mike Housden, and as a result “a late submission had come in about a deal on which Dave Hartnett had ‘shaken hands’ with Goldman Sachs”. The government was not going to get its full £40m, but only £30m.

According to the Guardian (11 October 2011) HMRC sources privately confirm that £10m of taxpayers’ money was thrown away because of a “technical mistake” by an unidentified official, junior to Hartnett, who misinterpreted the law. They claim that the National Audit Office, which audits HMRC accounts, has accepted the situation.

(2) ‘Revenue to appear in court over Goldman Sachs ‘sweetheart’ deal’

www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/apr/18/hmrc-goldmansachs

(3) On 14th June the NAO will publish a report entitled ‘Tax and duties: Larger tax settlements: a follow-up report’. The review will examine the reasonableness of five of the largest tax settlements with big business.

www.nao.org.uk/publications/work_in_progress/larger_tax_settlements.aspx

(4) A December 2011 report from the Public Accounts Committee suggested HMRC risks losing “many millions of pounds” in cases where it is chasing a total of more than £25bn in unresolved tax bills because of a “too cosy” relationship with big business.

www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8966704/MPs-say-HMRC-are-too-cosy-with-the-City.html

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Animal Rights Alliance demands investigation of Dogs4Us

13-06-2012 19:57

The Animal Rights Alliance has today joined campaign groups who have publicly condemned Pet Planet Superstore Ltd, t/a Dogs 4 Us after appalling puppy farm conditions were uncovered in 2009 by Sky News. It was also noted that Dogs4Us do not issue ID tags identifying the breeding establishment contray to The Sale of Dogs (Identification Tag) Regulations 1999.

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Romney's Abusive Record Re Cows, Sheep, Pigs, Horses, Cats, Dogs

13-06-2012 19:09

Please send this to animal rights groups

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Latest From the Diggers - Join Us!

13-06-2012 16:55

Statement from Windsor Diggers. Meet-up at the weekend.

Despite things not quite working out as planned at the weekend with the hay-field incident, the rain, and one arrest for breach of an Olympic ASBO(!), the camp is alive and well with a small group of dedicated Diggers in the woodland near Runnymede (the birthpace of our supposed Democracy) on Cooper's Hill in Surrey. The police did continue to follow us and have been present with torches and harressment but Royal Holloway University who own the specific piece of land on which the camp is currently situated have not yet attempted to serve court papers, so for now we are staying put and ignoring any attempts at intimidation. We invite everybody to join us, especially those who have become dispossessed due to the unequal and cruel nature of our system of crises.

There is a map of our location below. You can call or text the site phone 07963 475 195 for more information.

Directions to the camp:
If walking up the mud track from Egham town look out for the orange cones on your left - these mark the point at which to enter the woods and you'll see the camp. The nearest train station is Egham,about 25 mins walk. If you want to get nearer the camp by public transport you can get on the Slough bus from Egham town and get off at the stop before the top of Priest Hill, Englefield Green. That saves you a walk up a steep hill and is ten mins from the camp.

CLICK HERE FOR MAP OF CURRENT CAMP LOCATION

The group will be camped at this spot until Saturday 16th June.

On Saturday at 1pm we will have a meetup at the Magna Carta Monument to discuss freedom, democracy and of course plans for the future. Please bring camping equipment - tent, sleeping bag, cup, supplies etc... if you wish to join the camp. Whilst scouting around the area we have discovered ample disused land on which to grow food and communities. The site for the community is a secret for the moment.

CLICK HERE FOR MAP OF MEET UP LOCATION

This Earth divided we will make whole, so it can be a common treasury for all.

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Who killied MI6 spy Gareth Williams

13-06-2012 14:13

the new issue of Notes in the boarderland magazine issue 10 is now out, check our website for details.

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Tottenham company accused of “profiting from pover

13-06-2012 12:55

Haringey residents today gathered outside the offices of Smart Housing Group on Tottenham Lane to protest against the company's attempts to encourage London councils to move homeless residents out of the city, calling on passers-by to contact the company and demand that they withdraw their plans.

Haringey residents today gathered outside the offices of Smart Housing Group on Tottenham Lane to protest against the company's attempts to encourage London councils to move homeless residents out of the city, calling on passers-by to contact the company and demand that they withdraw their plans.

Leaflets accusing the company of “profiting from poverty” were handed out to shoppers, parents and workers early this morning outlining the company's proposals, and calling at the same time for the lowering of rents and the provision of more social housing. Many of those receiving the leaflets were vocally supportive of the protest.

The protest was organised by members of the Haringey Solidarity Group and the Haringey Housing Action Group, who also held a banner reading ‘HOMES FOR ALL’ in front of the office.

A proposal made to Westminster Council by Smart Housing Group in April suggested rehousing “150 people within the next 12 or so months” to towns as far away from London as Derby and Nottingham, “and ideally with an option for Smart Housing Group to increase this number over time to perhaps closer to 500 properties.”

Under these plans, Smart Housing Group would buy properties outside London, and then charge London councils wanting to move people out of the city.

This is being justified as a way to reduce the housing benefit bill and the amount spent on emergency homeless provision. In reality the housing benefit bill is so high because there are no controls on the amount landlords can charge for accommodation that is often of poor quality.

Protesters argue that the real problem is “out-of-control landlords.” The leaflet handed out to the public (see below) encouraged contacting the company and demanding that they change their plans.

Staff at the office vehemently denied the protestors’ accusations, despite the company’s General Operations Manager having previously been quoted by the BBC as saying that Smart Housing Group is in the early stages of negotiations with three London authorities.

Protestors are hoping that enough bad publicity and public opposition will prevent the plans from progressing at all.

Smart Housing Group's plans for homeless families represent part of a wider housing crisis for ordinary people, with recent studies suggesting that if current trends continue, renting is increasingly to become a “way of life” for young single people and families alike.

At the end of May, a meeting of Haringey residents decided to start organising around issues affecting tenants in the private rented sector, in particular aiming to empower tenants; resist evictions; put pressure on landlords; demand that the Council use its powers to defend private tenants and meet its obligations towards them; and to support alternative forms of housing such as squats and co-ops.

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4 July: Annual 'Independence FROM America' demonstration at Menwith Hill

13-06-2012 11:51

IMPORTANT DEMONSTRATION. Wed 4 July, 4pm–9pm Outside the main entrance to the American base at NSA Menwith Hill, near Harrogate North Yorkshire HG3 2RF

Join us for this annual demonstration for 'Independence FROM America'. Menwith Hill is an extremely important US base – occupied and controlled by the NSA, USAF and other Agencies. It is unaccountable, secretive and out of control of the UK government. It has many deeply concerning roles.

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Report of Smash EDO Phone and twitter blockade

13-06-2012 10:09

Smash EDO have called for three months of direct action to close down EDO MBM - From 1st May to 1st August 2012.

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BRISBANE Australian Prime Minister confronted with Betrayal ofJulian Assange

13-06-2012 09:46

Prime Minister confronted with Betrayal of Julian Assange to U.S. War Machine
As Prime Minister Julia Gillard arrived at the Stamford Plaza in Brisbane Tuesday night to deliver a speech at the opening dinner of the Economic Forum, she was confronted by Catholic Workers and other anti-war activists over her betrayal of Australian born citizen Julian Assange to the U.S. war machine.

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Successful Demonstration at the Israeli Embassy

13-06-2012 00:55

Tonight activists from a variety of groups, including people involved in the Palestine Place project at 24 Grays Inn Road (a social centre set up in solidarity with the Palestian people) held a successful demonstration outside the Israeli embassy in support of Palestian hunger striker Mahmoud Sarsak, who has been on hunger strike for 85 days now in response to his "administrative detention" which has meant three years in an Israeli Jail without any charges being laid against him.

Mahmoud Sarsak political prisoner from the Palestian football team, has been on hunger strike for 85 days, and is in a critical condition [1]. Although an unknown Palestian Official has said that he has been taking milk in the last couple of days, he has not been able to speak to his lawyer or any member of his family and so this is by no means a confirmed fact. Many sources still report he "is close to death"[2]. There has been international condemnation of Israel's inprisonment of Sarsak and other Palestinain footballers, including FIFA president Sepp Blatter who "'expressed grave concern' regarding the incarceration of members of the Palestinian team in Israel, including Mahmoud Sarsak who is on hunger strike" [3].

Activists left Palestine Place yesterday [Tuesday 12th June] to assemble outside the Israeli embassy and held a candle lit vigil in solidarity with Mahmoud Sarsak. The demonstration began at around 22:00 hours and lasted for around an hour and a half with banners and speeches drawing attention to Mahmoud Sarsak's detention and hunger strike and calling for him to be freed. The Palestine Place website and twitter feeds have confirmed [4] that demonstrations will be continuing throughout the week focussed on the immediate demand for the release of Mahmoud Sarsak.

The presence of around forty activists outside the embassy prompted the response of a small unit of armed police (carrying machine guns) who assaulted individuals standing around on the premise that they were "trespassing". Alex Gray who was at the demonstration said "We are here today because it is important at this critical moment to stand in solidarity with Mahmoud, and to show our anger at Israels so called 'administrative detention' policy. These demonstrations will continue to grow until Mahmoud is set free." After the candle lit vigil, and a two minute silence, demonstrators played football outside the royal park which borders the embassy and handed out leaflets to passsers by to inform them of Mahmoud's desperate situation.

1-Al Jazeera http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/06/2012611131924148160.html

2- Electronic Intifada http://electronicintifada.net/blogs/ali-abunimah/time-running-out-hunger-striking-footballer-rights-groups-demand-urgent-pressure & The Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jun/06/palestinian-hunger-strike-fears-life?newsfeed=true

3- CNN online http://edition.cnn.com/2012/06/12/sport/football/mahmoud-sarsak-fifa-isreal-football/index.html

4http://palestineplace.wordpress.com/

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Solidarity Demonstration @ Israeli Embassy

12-06-2012 22:55

Palestinian political prisoner Mahmoud Sarsak is on day 85 of the longest ever hunger strike, in protest against being detained without charge or trial for nearly 3 years. He has been denied proper medical care and his condition is now critical. Time is absolutely of the essence in taking action to help prevent this murder. Emergency candle vigil TONIGHT at Israeli embassy, 2 Palace Green, London W8 4QB, 10pm-11:30pm.

Activists from prominent London social centre Palestine Place have today organised a demonstration outside the Israeli embassy in solidarity with Mahmoud Sarsak, Palestinian hunger striker who has been without food for the last 85 days and is a critical condition, on the verge on death. Every evening this week there will be demonstrations outside the Israeli embassy, and during the day time at other locations around London; until he is released.

Despite it's adhorent abuse of prominent Palestinian football players, the state of Israel is to next year hold the under 21s UEFA cup, footballer Eric Cantona and even FIFA president S Blatter have recently condemed the imprisonment of Mahmoud Sarsak.

Activists at the demonstration outside the Israeli embassy report a moderate police presence, with some interactions. There around 50 demonstrators currently holding a candle lit vigil outside the Embassy..

More Info soon.

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Smash EDO direct action affinity group training, Wed 13th

12-06-2012 18:42

There will be an affinity group direct action training tomorrow, Wednesday, 6.30pm at the Cowley Club Brighton.

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The Right's long history of using violent agents provocateurs to weaken the Left

12-06-2012 17:06

Right wing intelligence agencies and police forces have been using violent agents provocateurs to reduce public support for the Left in many countries from the 19th Century to today, as I explain in this detailed article. Violent provocateurs are currently being used, or are allegedly being used in at least 3 countries (the US, UK, and Canada) to reduce public support for the Occupy movement.

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Text inspired by the recent action against G4S

12-06-2012 16:55

The recent hacking action against G4S inspired a text on communication, hacking

and information strategies in the age of immaterial capitalism. Here it is uploaded.

Faking capitalism: communication, hacking and information disruption in order to attack the immaterial dimension of production

Some obstacles in the contemporary social struggles, how they connect with the “immaterial” dimension of capitalism, and the need to overcome them.
Communication and hacking techniques as a chance of experimentation for overcoming the repression and finding new tools for social struggles.
Different reasons why these tactics can be useful in our fights against contemporary capitalism.
Proposals for basic experimentation.

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Update! Olympic ASBO arrest Released!!!

12-06-2012 16:55

Simon Moore was in court today for breaching his Olympic ASBO heres what happened...

I sat at the back of Guildford Magistrates court all day today waiting to see what was going to happen to Simon after being he was arrested for breaking the terms of his interim Olympic ASBO (set to be heared and possibly approved on Thursday). I have paraphased and shortened some of the statements...

"Can I have Mr Moore up please' said the lady with the white telephone.

Simon declined legal advice and represented himself. The prosecution laid out their case that Simon breached the terms of his ASBO by camping on a piece of land owned by Royal Holloway University in Surrey. They characterised it as 'aggrevated' as it was just a month after it was issued on the grounds of protesting for the last 4 years and also for trying to stop a temperary basketball court being built on a piece of community marshland in Leyton.

Simon pleaded guilty.

'What is your cause? asked the judge

"My cause is the right to live and to grow food on the land which is unused and without causing harm, harmoniously and sustainably. There is suficient land in this country to live freely and low impact in this country. To be honest I do not feel I have broken any of my own concept of what is right and wrong. I accept that my actions may cause alarm to the large land owners of this country and in a way it is strange that Alarm has been criminalised.

The judge set Simon free with a £50 fine or one night served. She seemed genuinely perplexed as to what this has to do with the Olympics.

So what is to be made of all this ? Well considering that Simon has repeatedly stated that he has no specific problem with the Olympics it seems that the Prohibition on camping on land has the aim of givimg the police the power to stop Simon doing just about anything that they don't like at any given time. Simon intends to continue his struggle for the right to use disused land and this is not the end of this story by a long shot. The hearing about the interim ASBO being granted as a full ASBO is on Thursday.

The aim seems to be to create non political zones around certain events like the Olympics and to criminalise protest generally. Even though claiming that the Olympics is 'A-political' in the era of globalisation is laughable. As crises increase and social movements grow expect more of Such ASBO's.

More updates from the Windsor Eco-Village Diggers coming soon....

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18 of June International Call Of Solidarity With The Spanish Strikers...

12-06-2012 16:51

The following communique is running wild all over the main Spanish speaking social networks and alternative media... Initially it is a nationwide call for solidarity...

LET'S MAKE IT AN INTERNATIONAL ONE!!!

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John Bowden Writes From HMP Shotts

12-06-2012 16:47

John Bowden writes about his treatment at the hands of a megalomaniac social worker and an all too acquiescent Parole Board. Further articles by John, and others about his current situation and what you can do to help, can be found on the Leeds ABC website.

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Ofsted chair Sally Morgan - husband with Liberty (NCCL)

12-06-2012 16:05

Ofsted chair Sally Morgan – husband John Lyons (barrister who specialises in criminal defence, in particular white collar crime – in other words defends the corporate elite) is with Liberty (NCCL) which is or was linked to PIE (Paedophile Information Exchange) and PAL (Paedophile Action for Liberation)

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Fourteenth Day Of Mining Strike In Asturies And Leon (Spain)

12-06-2012 15:52

Barely an hour ago (14/06/2012, 16:45 h local time) the riot police have charged against striking and rioting people in the town of Pola de Lena (Asturias)...

OUR HEARTS ARE PUMPING UP STRONGLY... IN TUNE WITH THE REST OF THE REBELIOUS WORLD

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CPS charge animal rights activist

12-06-2012 15:44

On Saturday 9th June 2012, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) charged an animal rights activist who tried to rescue abused rabbits in Sompting.