Well, what a couple of weeks it’s been for Jimmy Carr, David Cameron and Gary Barlow! The trio have been involved in a row over tax evasion but some, have fared better than others…
The scandal first emerged after an investigation by The Times newspaper revealed a scheme in Jersey called K2 which ‘sheltered’ people from paying as much tax as others not involved in the scheme. It is understood to involve UK earners “quitting” their jobs and signing new employment contracts with offshore shell companies’ based in Jersey, where fewer tax is paid. Famous faces named in this case were Jimmy Carr and assorted members of Take That, including ‘the nation’s favourite’, Gary Barlow. The scheme is not illegal but the morality of such a scheme has been called into question.
I think any member involved in this scheme should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves. Why should they avoid paying the correct taxes when others who are not in a position to join such schemes pay the full amount? These celebrities can, after all, afford to pay the tax required against their earnings while us mere minions are scraping along at a time where there is a severe lack of jobs in an economy that is on its knees! I wonder what DavCam would say if he knew??? Well, as it turns out, a lot to practically nothing. David Cameron has condemned Jimmy Carr as being ‘morally reprehensible’ but said nothing of Tory supporter, Gary Barlow’s involvement. Rather smacks of hypocrisy, no?
Now far be it from me to come out in support of the vile Jimmy Carr who I find unfunny, rude, offensive but at least he has apologised for his actions while Gary Barlow (I WAS a fan) has remained tight-lipped on the subject. Come on, Gaz, I know you want us to ‘have a little patience’ but man up, already!
Of course, there is the issue of taxes being too high and too complex but surely that is an altogether separate issue? If tax laws say you pay such and such then you pay it? You don’t sneak around trying to stash your cash like some kind rodent storing food!
Finally, I’d like to add (for all those who come in all guns blazing about taxes being too high) that I do not care about the Government’s distaste for this issue but for the every day man on the street. Messrs Carr and Barlow have proverbially slapped them in the face by indulging in this tax dodging and they, quite frankly, need to shape up or ship out!
This blog was originally posted on my own site http://thescottkingshow.blog.com/
