Google boss struggles to persuade MPs no sales made in UK

Tax row: Google Vice President Matt Brittin faced incredulity from MPs as they questioned his assertion that none of the company's sales activity actually took place in the UK, contrary to the testimony of whistleblowing former employees. .

[grimezi]

You know a company is untouchable when they host it on their video platform and suggest for me to watch.

[KojakTPB]

The irony... MP's getting frustrated over someone not giving a straight answer

[josef]

He should be a politician. He’s better at it than them.

[gazsm]

If they were really serious, the HRMC and police would investigate Google properly within the full extent of the law. If they found Google could be, or is, actually defrauding the HRMC then it would go to a court of law. Cases like this will never go to court because if Google or any other big corporation/business were to be found guilty, the precedence would be set in law. And that would open the floodgates for all corporations/businesses evading tax to be subject to criminal proceedings. Having a ministerial enquiry means it's all done for show, a few high profile businessmen are put on the spot, made to squirm a little for the sake of public scrutiny and the politicians put on a show that they're doing their best for the public. Nothing however changes, the corporations and businesses carry on with business as usual and the government looks like it has done something. It's a soap opera for government to show the public.

[andymiller]

Rather ironic that its MP's who are saying that he should call a spade a spade, and upset that he refuses to answer a question with "yes" or "no". Annoying isn't it?

[KieranDevvs]

In summary:
"I'm not aware of the rules and technicalities but I don't think Google owes anyone tax"

[AliKoksal]

These things will NEVER fail to make me laugh because the person who is being grilled can NEVER answer a straight question with a straight answer!!

[bikeman]

And here we are 9 years later and nothings changed. Surely Googles tax bill is a big enough prize worth chasing? They'd put more effort in collecting a parking ticket.

[thebackup]

It is a tax question to him, as FOR TAX PURPOSES the sales would take place wherever they say it does to pay as little tax as they can 🤦‍♂️

[Kalenz]

Politicians being frustrated about vague answers avoiding questions. The irony..

[JoJo-xbdo]

Why they have these enquiries nothing will change. Its a political performance.

[jameshblack]

This guy tells better lies than the politicians who are questioning him

[subbedtodeath]

Love the line “i’m not an expert”.

Ignorance is bliss

[trevisonclark]

Politicians always ask yes or no questions but never answer them.

[SmartStrt]

They are trying to ask moral questions and he is answering with a legal answer. MPs could close tax loopholes overnight if they wanted to but there's a reason they do not.

[baldeepbirak]

Have a law that forces tech companies to pay tax in the country they trade in (not where they are based). Enforce the law. Fine the companies breaking the law. Then the working class don't have to struggle because big tech evades laws allowing them to pay a fraction of their profits instead of the true tax percentages.

[fman]

Look fold, we ain’t paying more tax in the UK. Can I go now?

[Christianfighter]

Something annoying about watching mp’s who never ever ever answer a question straight, getting annoyed at someone for behaving how they have for the past 50 years

[nagualdesign]

Many years ago - centuries, in fact - business owners would be summoned once a year to the village hall where they would declare their earnings and pay tithes (taxes). The wealthiest would be proud to be seen supporting their communities, and were well respected.

These days it's almost rude to ask someone about their earnings, businesses hide behind a mask, and community spirit has given way to the pursuit of personal wealth and consumerism. Large corporations provide jobs but do everything they can to avoid taxes, or give anything positive to society at all.

The world's full of c***s.

[cyrussabaee]

Interesting how this hasn’t got that much views I wonder Google