Financial News
- 21 June 2012, 8:27
Jimmy Carr 'Morally Wrong' On Tax, Says PM
Prime Minister David Cameron has branded comedian Jimmy Carr "morally wrong" for seeking to avoid taxes.
Reports of Carr's tax arrangements suggest he is undertaking "straightforward tax avoidance", said the Prime Minister.
He said it was unfair on the people who pay to watch the comic perform that he is not paying his taxes like they do.
"I think some of these schemes - and I think particularly of the Jimmy Carr scheme - I have had time to read about and I just think this is completely wrong," he told ITV during a round of TV interviews in Mexico, where he is attending a G20 summit.
"People work hard, they pay their taxes, they save up to go to one of his shows... He is taking the money from those tickets and he, as far as I can see, is putting all of that into some very dodgy tax-avoiding schemes.
"That is wrong. There is nothing wrong with people planning their tax affairs to invest in their pension and plan for their retirement - that sort of tax management is fine.
"But some of these schemes we have seen are, quite frankly, morally wrong."
But Labour leader Ed Miliband criticised Mr Cameron's comments.
"I'm not in favour of tax avoidance obviously," he said.
"But I don't think it's for politicians to lecture people about morality. I think what politicians need to do is, if the wrong thing's happening, change the law to prevent that tax avoidance happening."
Carr is said to have used an aggressive, legal, tax-avoidance scheme which enables members to pay income tax rates as low as 1%.
The comic, who has famously lampooned fat cat bankers, reportedly protects some £3.3m a year by channelling cash through Jersey-based company K2.
He spoke out over the claims during a show in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, on Tuesday, reportedly saying: "I pay what I have to and not a penny more."
Carr is said to be one of more than 1,000 beneficiaries who shelter some £168m from the taxman each year using K2. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) said the K2 scheme was already under investigation.
what do you think?
Michael Cooke
Good on him, if i could i would do the same, most of the goverment avoid tax.
Michael Hawkins
Michael you are happy that others have to pay extra tax so the likes of this man can pay less Strange attitude
Peter Edwardson
Hypocrites
Micky Lyden
Must be taking tips off harry and his dogs
Alf Bibby
Camerons an idiot
Mark Wood
Yes - fancy wanting rich entertainers to contribute to the society that made them rich? Of course Jimmy Carr deserves to keep it all - noone else needs it anyway..
Mick Daniel
Why don't people in the Uk just grow up and write intelligent informed comments
Lorgar Aurelian
I hope the other comics crucify him for this... John Bishop, give him both barrels!
TheKarmacanic
Well said LA, I'm with you on this one!
Name witheld
This comment has been removed for violations of our Terms and Conditions.
TheKarmacanic
Yeah, non payers like Jimmy Carr!
George Clement
He could ask Ken Dodd for tips, he's another comic who didn't like paying tax. But by the same token there's a chap in the Lords who doesn't like paying tax here while at the same time bankroles Cameron and his party.
Anthony Smith
Cameron is such a burke to comment like this. I bet he isn't paying any more tax than is strictly necessary, and neither are the 4.17 million 'self employed' which have been released in today's employment/unemployment statistics. Get real Dave...and when you have, have a serious word with your mate George and that slimy waste of space I.D.S.!!!
Kelly Curtis
That is "Rich" coming from cameron !
Michael Hawkins
And you base you comment on ?
TheKarmacanic
This comment has been removed for violations of our Terms and Conditions.
Emma Allum
Love it, go for it Jimmy. I would.
Emma Allum
After all, its not like we'll be given a tax break if he pays more, is it? Or anyone else who finds a loophole.
gengisken1227
It's morally wrong for government splashing our hard earnt on India so the y can buy chinese submarines and africa dictators to buy a new freet of mercedes,............but it's doesn't stop them doing it
TheKarmacanic
Orange, I'm not psychic!! What exactly am I saying that's breaking the rules?
TheKarmacanic
As Dennis Healey would say... Jimmy should be taxed until his pips squeak!
Chris Robinson
He's right, of course, Jimmy Carr should be paying his taxes, but what about all the rich backers of the Tories and other parties who are salting away £125bn per year in 'tax avoidance'. The Tories especially have been bankrolled by these types for decades. He should make a start with them. With those billions the deficit would be paid at a stroke and we need not have all this unemployment. We're the ones being made to pay for the rich. Increase their taxes too - 80% for starters.
Lee Bennett
ha ha ha " Morally wrong" ................Pot ..........Kettle ........Black .Shut up Scameron ,
TheKarmacanic
6:55pm on 20/6/2012
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