An inspiring meeting. The room was overflowing and people were listening outside. Well done to Quakers in Scotland for organising it.
Lesley Riddoch spoke about the many ways we can learn from Nordic countries how to make our society fairer, better and more involved – and how a just tax system is a key part of that.
Richard Murphy said how paying tax was a privilege and that tax supports everyone in society – something we should all be advocating loudly. He also described his campaign against tax cheats and promoting the Fair Tax Mark to encourage companies to stop tax evasion and avoidance.
Andy Wightman described some of the policies that Scotland will need to ensure that more or even some (!) tax is paid by large landowners and interest groups. We need to have a system that encourages individuals and businesses to improve their buildings while not gaining unearned income from doing nothing.
An excellent morning. Thanks also to Sally Foster-Fulton, head of Christian Aid in Scotland and former chair of the Church of Scotland Church and Society Council, who chair ed the symposium so well.
It was encouraging to see how many people turned out at 10am to talk about a fairer tax system.
See also:
Quaker Peace and Social Witness on Economic Justice
And the speakers’ blogs:
Lesley Riddoch and her book Blossom
Richard Murphy and his book The Joy of Tax
Andy Wightman and his book And the Poor had No Lawyers
