Forum Topic

Arise Sir Lewis...

imho a Knighthood is long overdue

Adam Tripp ● 2185d17 Comments

It is a remarkable sporting achievement.

Lucille Grant ● 2185d

I so agree with you Adam!  He wasn't expected to win this one but he proved his excellence once again. I don't always agree with what he says or does off the track but he is a remarkable British winner.  It's a shame that he lives in Monaco for tax reasons but he's not the first and won't be the last to do so.

Sue Hammond ● 2185d

It's a fantastic achievement with not of the dubious practices of some earlier world champions driving their opponents off the track! He's not the only F1 driver living in Monaco and the tax position probably isn't the attraction. Looking at others given knighthoods then it would expected one should be heading his way soon, particularly as he's using his position to champion equality, anti-racism, sustainability and the environment. I know he gets criticised for that by some but better he supports those issues rather than ignores them.

Michael Ixer ● 2185d

OBE, MBE, CBE?

David Ainsworth ● 2185d

Boy done well but what about Sir Marcus Rashford. Got an MBE which failed to stop him campaigning. He’s on school books now. Seriously, I think gongs for sports people should come when their careers are over not while they’re still playing (or driving).  Some might say Andy Murray hasn’t done a thing since knighted. Maybe the gong weighs them down?

Jonathan Callaway ● 2179d

I would have a rule that being a UK taxpayer was a pre-requisite for receiving any honour from the state. If you aren't prepared to pay your share don't expect to receive any formal recognition 

Sean Hodges ● 2179d

Another perspective on this. Apparently he does pay a significant amount of tax in the UK, although it's difficult to fact check that. Anyway, weren't the Stones resident in France a while ago for tax purposes and that didn't affect Sir Mick's gong? Perhaps being Sir Lewis would help open some doors in his equality, etc campaigns so from that point of view it might be beneficial?https://inews.co.uk/sport/formula-one/lewis-hamilton-knighthood-tax-how-much-monaco-net-worth-f1-762301

Michael Ixer ● 2179d

I think the tax rule is applied but only selectively when it should be much more rigorous.  Beckham allegedly didn’t get a gong for tax reasons but Branson, Green and many others still got theirs. Arguably having built up businesses in the UK is an important factor wherever the recipient is based but it does seem very wrong that tax exiles still get gongs. We all pay our taxes not that we have much choice but once you’ve got the wherewithal setting up offshore trusts and similar schemes becomes cost effective.

Jonathan Callaway ● 2179d

I was interested that during the pandemic those that seem to have been cut off from compensation seems to be people living of dividends rather than salaries from their private limited companies. I sure that's just a coincidence …But, sorry, I've slipped oiff topic there!

Michael Ixer ● 2179d

... living off dividends ...

Michael Ixer ● 2179d

"No presentation without taxation" to borrow and alter a slogan from another age.

David Ainsworth ● 2179d

Very good!  I remember when I lived in New York many years ago being lectured by a taxi driver on paying my taxes without being able to vote. He thought it quite wrong and he was from Brooklyn. Back here and back to today it looks ever more perverse that UK citizens in Europe, and EU citizens who had made their home in the UK had no vote in the referendum. Their lives have been far more affected that most of us voters and they’ve had absolutely no redress.

Jonathan Callaway ● 2179d

Had he not avoided paying VAT on his private jet that money could have funded 17 sure start centres for a year.Arise Sir........

Andy Pike ● 2179d

finally!

Adam Tripp ● 2140d

Yes!!👏🏻

Sue Hammond ● 2139d

@AndyI was also critical of Hamilton because he lives in Monaco but this is an interesting article about Hamilton's tax status.  I didn't know he has a charitable foundation either in addition to the charities he supports.https://inews.co.uk/sport/formula-one/lewis-hamilton-knighthood-tax-how-much-monaco-net-worth-f1-762301

Sue Hammond ● 2139d

Well, I thought it would be heading his way soon, as I noted in a post below ☺

Michael Ixer ● 2139d