Worth reposting

Very interesting on a bunch of things including reparations

9 year old kids know…

I think this is very correct from @ianleslie.bsky.social. They probably should have done this ages ago but right now there really is very little to lose...

I couldn't agree with this article more. We need to think about how we move from piecemeal ideas flying around to a proper method of tax reform. It seems politicians cannot deliver it on their own. They must always be in charge, but they must be persuaded to seek sensible help. on.ft.com/4muHY6n

I love this- something positive from my son @samfr.bsky.social , talking with the new director of the @theifs.bsky.social , a long-term colleague of mine, @helenmiller.bsky.social !

Fascinating that Hermer referred to Salomon v A Salomon in this lecture on the rule of law- it seems to me it was about putting form over substance - is it really about the rule of law? Very problematic case in many ways...

This can’t be dealt with by gimmicky new taxes. And there isn’t the time or political will to restructure our tax system properly within OBR time scales. I can’t see any sensible alternative to increasing income tax and/or VAT.

HMRC Stakeholder Conference today. I was concentrating, really I was. But there was a very special view out of the window.

Just looking at (enormous) bill for new glasses following a fall which smashed old ones. Frame and lenses not that that much but dispensing services cost very high. Looks like a VAT division - saves me money but really? @maxschofield.bsky.social ?

I wish them well but I have been around too long to expect that this will have a major impact.

Terrible news.

Understanding why government officials blew past the warnings on Robodebt is important in understanding the risks civil servants and the public use tackle as they face pressure to use ‘AI’ in public service delivery.

That’s my kind of timing- push your deadlines as far as possible! Can’t say I blame them but it does prolong the uncertainty being created by leaks and media speculation.

A wonderful archive of knowledge.

This is a helpful explanation from @chrisgiles.ft.com on why the UK is facing difficulties with the financial markets despite the underlying public finances probably being in better shape than others in the G7 on.ft.com/3HNCGVf

That’s my kind of timing- push your deadlines as far as possible! Can’t say I blame them but it does prolong the uncertainty being created by leaks and media speculation.

A positive post- the new SWR trains are a real improvement! www.southwesternrailway.com/travelling-w...

Darren Jones moving to No. 10 to a new role as "Chief Secretary to the PM" - an attempt to bolster No. 10. James Murray to Chief Secretary of HMT. Dan Tomlinson takes Murray's place. Tim Allan coming back to run No. 10 Comms. Delivery and policy units being overhauled.

How would anyone expect us to believe this?

Changes at the Treasury as John Van Reenen and Anna Valero return to academia www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

Even before universal suffrage people had ways of influencing the vote- fascinating piece. historyofparliament.com/2025/07/18/p...

Despite having followed scandal for many years before tv etc I still never cease to be shocked. So much unnecessary suffering. So many in the establishment who did not do their jobs properly.

I would extend this to all people running around in this hot weather.

a lesson in sticking to your principles

Exciting opportunity to join the tax law team in the Oxford University law faculty www.law.ox.ac.uk/departmental...

Using the higher income child benefit charge as a precedent for how the fuel allowance can be managed ( @thetimes.com today) seems worrying to me. How much litigation and admin will that create?

Current reading is Phineas Redux by Trollope. Just got to the part where one political party decides to champion a policy that was formerly that of the other party, which now has to reject it. Such good observation and writing that he could be commenting on modern times.

Initially tucked among the trillions of tax cuts in the House’s just-passed “big, beautiful bill” was the proposed repeal of the tax on indoor tanning services that was adopted in the law creating Obamacare. (NOTE: This story has been updated.) www.forbes.com/sites/kellyp...

My debut piece for the Observer is up on their website. It's on the global crisis of the centre-right and why its lost its way. (Free to read) observer.co.uk/news/politic...

As I was saying-

We are being set up well for Peggy to have left everything she has to the rewilding project…

How lovely to be back teaching at Worcester College now the wisteria is here.

I would be interested to know how small business owners feel about this.

Very sad loss- he achieved so much and this is quite a story.

I obviously need an artist to illustrate my lectures! But at least someone has been listening...

Now who could have written this and where did he get his ideas from? 😏 on.ft.com/4iN9TN5

Now who could have written this and where did he get his ideas from? 😏 on.ft.com/4iN9TN5

Thank you to @barbararich.bsky.social for clearing this up. There are indeed several issues around this tax planning exercise, including the one being litigated, but reason they thought it a good idea relates to domicile as others have suggested. I was being lazy and not reading the case- sorry.

Is this accurate reporting? Why would a gift of £80 million to a spouse be helpful in avoiding inheritance tax ( a few small annual allowances etc but they don’t touch the sides). I am confused. @barbararich.bsky.social ?

This is such a lovely interview! Thank you. The In Our Time archive really is a national treasure and when I actually manage to retire I shall listen to one a day!

‘Free’ eye tests for older people but the opticians now have ‘optional’ add ons to check for all the things that are age related. Good way to make an additional profit eh?

Issue 1 2025 BTR Global Tax Governance special issue plus current notes and case notes- out in print now as well as on Westlaw and ProView.

The usual story of people who know nothing about tax always wanting to use tax tools to achieve ends for which they are quite unsuited. A lazy way of shunting off the problem.

Finally! They have a debate on farmers and IHT on #The Archers. Go Jolene! (But not entirely accurate I’m afraid).

Reader, I married him.

There are many awful things happening at the moment so this is just one of many but to wreck your tax administration cannot make sense to anyone who intends to govern

Why can’t Clarrie and Susan job share? What a ridiculous story line. #TheArchers

What a fascinating collection of responses. Well worth reading them all.

The best thing about soaps is when they cover health and social stories having taken good advice. This was brilliantly acted and hopefully helpful to some men.