That the Parliament notes the recent reports suggesting that, in 2010, HSBC helped many of its wealthier clients to evade tax through branches in Switzerland; further notes recurring reports of large companies such as Amazon and Starbucks paying what it understands to be dubious amounts of corporation tax; believes that wealthy individuals, companies and banks should not attempt to act against the spirit of the tax system, illegally or otherwise; understands that high levels of tax evasion and avoidance are particularly significant during a time of austerity, and believes that more should be done to ensure that all wealthy people and companies pay a fair share of tax.

February Edition 2015 – Parliamentary Patter

• Local MSP leads debate on Equal Pay
• John Mason MSP targets anti-semitism
• Motions lodged in January
• Shettleston MSP welcomes named persons ruling
• John helps to #SeeItChangeIt

That the Parliament congratulates the restaurant chain, Di Maggio’s, on its reported 21% increase in annual profits; understands that it is the largest independent restaurant chain in Scotland and has successfully expanded from its Glasgow base into other towns and cities across the country; believes that Di Maggio’s is a good example of a Scottish-owned business succeeding in a competitive marketplace, and encourages all Scottish-owned businesses to resist mergers and takeovers by larger companies based elsewhere.