How about whacking on import duty on products brought in from companies registered in tax havens.

There are plenty of things that could be done if the Governments of the day have the will

The argument for the big corporates is that they bring employment etc to the country, but, as far as I can see, if they pay 40% tax rather than 2% (or whatever stupid figures many are getting away with) it's down to them whether they want to make 60% profits on a very large market, or walk away with nothing. In the case of coffee shops etc, if they walk away it would really be no great loss (more independent coffee shops on the high street would be great). Amazon would be harder to replace (simply due to buying power keeping prices down) but it can't be beyond the wit of man.

The fact that some of the big boys have attempted to score brownie points through voluntary tax contributions is laughable - how the hell is tax voluntary for anyone?

Small government, for me is a principle, from where we are now it would take years of reform in all areas of government but you start with the principle as your foundation and work towards that principle over a sustained period of time until you achieve your goals. At the same time you work hard to protect what is already benefiting society. That should be what all governments do, imo.

My personal view is that everyone is ultimately responsible for their own happiness and government or government type has little or nothing to do with this. Not to say that sh!t doesn't happen and governments can't mess you up but I personally try to minimise the level of influence that government has in my life and the lives of my family.

It's fair to say that I have little regard for our current political class of any hue. I have little time for those who profess to work for others and yet serve no-one but themselves first. Those people are easily spotted and I don't give them a mandate by voting for them.

I pay my tax by consent because I think it's a worthy thing to do and some taxation for the benefit of all is a good thing and although I pay in, I try not to take out but am grateful for institutions like the NHS being there when I need them.

I also would never want a return to Victorian poverty, who would.

"You can lead a horse to water but a pencil must be lead"

Stan Laurel

This is why it needs a concerted effort. they all know its an issue but no one wants to be brave enough to make a stand as the companies will simply bugger off elsewhere.

The OECD needs to drive this through, followed by major nations implying economic/trade 'sanctions' on those that refuse.

The Voice of Reason In An Otherwise Mediocre World

He certainly can take his business elsewhere. Goodbye, good luck and f**k off, and enjoy your new nationality.

The rate should be the same for everyone. No special exceptions, no loopholes, everyone earning above say 16k a year should make a contribution based on societies needs, not as little as they can.

Me too. I have no problem with incentives and tax breaks, provided they stipulate direct criteria for qualification, and return a reasonable return on investment.

Ok, this isn't a reliable source, but in the US some economic incentive plans in the US were showing a return of 7 cents for every dollar of state revenue (or a 93 cents per dollar loss) - Ok it was John Oliver so it has to be taken with a pinch of salt maybe.

Corporations should only get tax breaks in return for specifically delivering on set targets like wages, job creation etc.

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Of course they can...Apple have done just that moving a lot of their business from Ireland to Jersey

The Voice of Reason In An Otherwise Mediocre World