Student occupations target Topshop in protest at Tax Avoidance

[aircrewuk]

STUDENTS: Its simple,dont shop in his stores and dont work for him,quite simple really isint it!

[justicepartyuk]

You people play into the hands of politicians, you spoil the hard work 250,000 people done to get there massage to British nation. click Justice party UK.

[sail1948]

The sheeple are waking up!! Viva le revolution!!!

[ehpl]

The thing is the entire system is on its way out – technological unemployment is a fact and on the increase – the scum at the top have used us to mine the earth to build them there weapons which they will use to rid the earth of the majority of us because in their eyes the majority are superfluous

[banandababa]

Ha wonder how many of them are wearing clothes from Topshop

[startec25]

You guys have good intentions, and I support your efforts, but I do question how affective this kind of protest is, I think protesting was affective back in the days.

I think we the people need to come up with more sophisticated methods of bringing this condem goverment to its knees.

Don't students have to sign a form before the debt becomes legal. Think about it guys.

[solhallam]

@Jsparra - that's their job. surely if they went on strike they would not longer be supporting the government. they are ordinary men and women, who deserve their jobs. and surely if the government were making cuts to the police then they would just be weakening their protection and lessening their ability to stamp out the protest that ensued. i don't like it when people get angry at 'the police'. get angry at one policeman who happens to be a complete cock, not all of them.

[hxcteenagekicks]

@solhallam I agree but i'd say "hate the police, love the police man" We must remember they are people. But they have signed their own cognitive abilities away, they cannot express their opinions about matters. They put more value behind the thoughts of those in charge than in their own. They are the real power of the state, and as such must understand all rage against a government will be directed at them. Besides it's illegal for the cops to go on strike. They don't care for solidarity!

[EGYsniperisback]

Quite fascinating to know these facts how democratic this country is ? ehh..I wish i was there to see this nice work students.!keep it up!

[manthmanth1]

fucking students. get over it and get on with it!!!!

[theforwardthinking]

Private property - or the protection of private property - is contingent to the payment of tax, so they had every right, legally, to remain right where they were.

[femguy]

and who big banged the market? daves mentor maggie thatcher and slimy blair continued to support the destructive forces who robbed the people of this world with their greed.they are all in it together against you and i and it is sad that people cant see it happening and happening at an alarming speed..

[femguy]

the bilderburgs are out to get you man as well as us and when they do you will be screaming for mercy.fool

[femguy]

yo who the fck are you calling a moron.you are profuse with your vicious bile against any one who objects to your views which just about sums up your nastiness.you dont get your way so you bite like an animal.fck you and your rich bastard tories

[JoshJohnson92]

Blame the government not the market. We are a capitalist country, this is only inevitable

[localtohere]

wonder how many of the protester are wearing topshop clothes

[manthmanth1]

@localtohere lol probably all of them!!! they get discount there too, reckon topshop and topman should revoke that, then they'd be pissed off! safety in numbers i think is the case half of them probably dont even care and are just there for the jolly!!!

[IFR]

FWIW Green didn't go to uni and positively abhors graduates who leave uni with a degree thinking they know everything about business

[IFR]

Shouldn't really be protesting Topshop - Green is just a very good businessman who exploits the rules. Protest the labour party that encouragd his ilk through the capital gains tax rules and domicillary rules on taxation.

[JoshJohnson92]

The women @ 1:57 is bullshitting. Arcadia is a very good company to work for and do not give "£5.00" bonuses at all. I understand the principle of tax avoidance, but don't blatantly lie you ignorant arse.

[femguy]

@JoshJohnson92

[fishnchimps]

OK, so you're protesting tax dodgers, but it's a free market. If you want corporations to avoid the dodge, then the only thing that's going to achieve that is lower corporation tax to keep them in the UK. Would you not want to protest that?

[Mrfordtoyou]

Bless em, there is no market!

[femguy]

glad you managed to get an education before you were forced to pay for it like the young uns coming up will have to.yes its sound talking for the students cos they are shouting it loud and clear but the 'most' you talk for in your comment ive yet to meet cos all the folk ive spoken to of all ages are right behind the protest.some of em might not work later cos education or not the jobs might not be out there if we let these tories get away with it like they did in the 80's

[gin878]

main blike doesn't get it. it is not his money , coppers money , nurses money. it is green's money and he has not broken any law. singing those songs like schoolkids ... how radical.

[femguy]

@gin878 you sound like the older generation of the 1960's slagging off the students of the day for protesting against the war in vietnam.whats your gripe with young people and ones who are trying to make a difference.green hasn't broken the law allegedly he uses a loophole in said law to put all his affairs in his wifes name living in the tax haven of monaco while the ppl .of the uk have to take the burden of the cuts and green isn't alone in his actions.why are you supporting the rich?

[gin878]

@femguy no gripe with young , and as I am under 30 I am not exactly old. it is not a matter of supporting the rich , it is more a matter of pointing out he has done nothing wrong and the typical student/lefty mob like to pick a topic and act all "radical". in reality it is a sad little protest which will die out soon. like the orange headbands

[gin878]

what aload of idiots. think you are so important. bet Green couldn't care less. neither do most people. typical students .... go get a job.

[femguy]

@gin878 and many people do care so please stop talking for us.Talking for green no he doesn't care thats why he's doin what he's doin.I suggest you go get an education.

[gin878]

@femguy when you say "talking for us" - what do you mean. or are you talking for them. which is fine is it ?? thanks for the suggestion , but I do have an education. i may not put it to much use mind you , much like the protesters.

[markmag14]

@femguy TAXES IN THIS COUNTRY ARE TOO HIGH. So what,Green is finding ways of paying less tax. Is that not what everyone does? The only people complaining are the freeloaders. Why do i pay tax? So the Government can squander it on c**p, such as an overinflated benefits system (no wonder people come from half way around the world to abuse it), spotty students with way too high opinions of themselves etc. Let's lower taxes and get this economy moving.

[femguy]

@markmag14 im sure even with lower taxes the rich as green would continue to use the loopholes to avoid their dues.a general worker has no means available to them in paying lower taxes its all paye and try avoiding that.i havent labelled green and the rich as ugly people so why do you think its ok to label young students as spotty and people legally coming half way around the world for to reside in this country as many brits do in other countries.

[markmag14]

@femguy Even if you are on PAYE there are other taxes to Income Tax, such as VAT, CGT etc. Some people may pay for services in cash, and avoid VAT. I label students as spotty because they are whining about rise in tuition fees without fully understanding what is being proposed. Plus why should i pay - invest in your own future. If you are a worthwhile investment, a company will sponsor you. Nothing wrong with coming to this country and working but don't expect benefits.

[femguy]

@markmag14 many ppl can only pay for their living needs in cash my freind, food rent and barely affordable essentials.green may understand and use cgt,vat cop outs and the luxuary of clever accountancy not all can.you now enjoy the benefits of proffessionals who were able to get an education for the good of us all.spotty,as a description of these ppl who are at least trying to expose the hypocrocy of our political parties is petty.you may not want to live in a world of opportunity for all,i do

[markmag14]

@femguy THERE IS OPPORTUNITY BUT YOU CAN'T BE A COMPLETE MORON. As are you and most of the idiots/scum rioting today. I'm so f**cking angry that these t**ts can get away with it. Where are the rubber bullets? Why should the police have to tolerate these c**ts. Lucky i didn't see one coming home from work today, as being a rugby player i would have ripped them in half.

[femguy]

@markmag14 rugby aint that the sport of gentlemen.some fcking gentleman.

[hxcteenagekicks]

@markmag14 "the only people complaining are the freeloaders" Amazing, i guess you never thought that maybe freeloaders don't pay tax? Why would they give a shit. How would lowering tax get the economy moving again? All it would do is raise corporate profits, doesn't mean they'll higher anymore people, doesn't mean they'll give us better value for money. Surely you pay tax? In which case doesn't it piss you off the rich can avoid it?

[Heatonsangel]

Well done to all the protesters. You are doing us proud. Keep up the good work. Would love to know who the male spokesman is....you are fantastic and come across as intelligent. A future leader i hope :-)

[femguy]

youre in a bad mood today aint you or was that what i was expecting from your very first comment.yeah its what i expected so success.sad fcker

[villaloyal]

Why mixed marriage should occur.

Since both of them come from entirly different culture, they may find it very difficult to adjust and live a harmonious life.



[villaloyal]

I am British of Indian background i think all mixed race marriages and relationships should be banned.

[femguy]

@villaloyal whats that got to do with the price of student fees?

[villaloyal]

@femguy

I am British of Indian background i think all mixed race marriages and relationships should be banned.

DONT HAVE A MIXED RELATIONSHIP STICK TO YOUR OWN KIND.

[femguy]

@villaloyal oooo stick to my own creed i couldn't possibly.i like my men dark and cultural ty.anyway whats this got to do with the government mugging the public when they are all wealthy lying slimebags

[villaloyal]

@femguy

You dirty faggot In india gays are not part of normal society. You would be sceen as scum

[villaloyal]

Trampy students never done a hard days work in their live.

[MrLotineGuy]

Baby boomers - where are you? Why are you not supporting these youngsters? They're right - we've all been screwed by a minority of oligarchs and bankers, with the politicians complicit in the fraud. Pensions will soon be devalued beyond your worst nightmares, hyperinflation will see to that. Get out on the streets and be effective, like these youngsters. We used to know how to protest. We must re-learn our protestation skills.

[femguy]

@MrLotineGuy have the baby boomers just taken the money and run? as a child of the 60's & the student protests of that time i am warmed that at last our youth have woken up and are giving their valuble voice and action.we all need to be out there cos its all our futures old,young and future born that these tories intend to enslave and degrade.

[RaoulMarmaDuke]

The girl who apparently speaks for Topshop employees is talking complete rubbish.

There was no message of solidarity from staff, 99% of staff didn't even know about the protest!

I've worked there for over a year and have never heard anyone describe it as hell and no staff encouraged the protest to take over the store.

[femguy]

@RaoulMarmaDuke possibly but our government and leaders give us spin and falsehoods constantly as we are learning daily so why shouldn't young students lobbying for the future generations elaborate for their cause. philip green is an advisor for our government who is allegedly using a loophole in the tax system to swell his coffers while the staff at topshop are honestly paying theirs.

[attheshire]

great video and lead speaker-fantastic! Big support

[signalnorth]

Excellent . Keep the brill work up!

[femguy]

thanks to these young people for doing this and showing the uk public whats going on.hardly reported on itn or bbc news i saw it as the main item on c4 news.i dont do facebook or twitter so at a loss as how to find out about these flash demos but its a brilliant way to shock business and make your point.

[jonty612]

@markmag14 your a Dickhead!

[markmag14]

@jonty612 it's you're not your. Learn English before cussing you c**t.

[markmag14]

IDIOTS.

Wonder how much tax these protesters/monkeys pay? At best probably nothing,so on that basis Top Shop are paying infinitely more tax, and you can't pay more than infinity!

[hablerz]

@markmag14 Top shop employees pay tax , but the boss doesn't like to. 

[terrapyn99]

Well done ! The ordinary UK citizens seem to be getting their act together and establishing solidarity. The likes of Philip Green is a classic example how there is one law for the elite minority and one law for the rest of us. Both Labour and Conservative governments are in the pocket of the banks and corporations.

Shame on the sheeple who were inside the store being good little consumers. Make education cuts to dumb down the population!

[LethalNite]

Well done to the protesters for highlighting the issue.

[londoniscool2009]

Wise words...make them tax avoiding fat bastards pay their dues like the rest of us! They are screwing us all...

[rlugg]

Spot on Jsparra! When the police stop doing the bidding of the state and attacking workers' interests we can talk of solidarity, until that point they are the enemy. Defending the capitalist state and criminalising those who resist it.

[alfskiiilee]

Haha, that guy is a fucking bell end. Dressed head to toe in Topman!!!

[rudeboy7000]

ths guy for new prime minister lol

[mbellido81]

@rudeboy7000 he went to ucl i guess. a bit narcissist i have to say.

[DibbersPage]

Every single company based in the UK or has outlets in the UK should be forced to pay the full tax rate. Lib Cons and Labour are all the same, the sooner people wake up to that fact the better, not forgetting one of our greatest burdens that costs Billions of tax payers pounds every single year, the dictatorship known as the European Union, British tax payers also pay for their blunders and those of the bankers.

[hablerz]

@DibbersPage Forget tax , taxes are so high because the bank of England (private company) prints money then loans it to the government at interest.

Biggest scam in history.

[xoxoKaiyaxoxo]

protesting is a waste of time, no one really listens they just acknowledge it and then dismiss it with one of their half baked theories. people should be taxes on the bases of their assets e.g capital, car, house, land, gold/silver etc. one thing i would never understand is why the rich dont simply share and help those that are less fortunate, i mean what you going to do with 1.2bn -_-" seriously

[hassmann2000]

@xoxoKaiyaxoxo Who cares about other people, worry about your own people right? That is Western philosophy 101.

[MrCroky123]

@hassmann2000 Yeah, that's Western philosophy 101 for crooks. It's thanks to this "philosophy" things are getting worst.

Western philosophy is based in many values. Sharing and helping others are some of those values. Were did you get this nonsense about worrying about your own people ? That's a disgrace ... an excuse to "suck" from others and feel right with yourself at the same time.

[xoxoKaiyaxoxo]

@hassmann2000

lol that is so wrong on all levels, coz when tables turn and they are on the edge of bankruptcy no-one will come to their rescue. nothing is forever.

[jclaret]

right on students... give um hell !!! a+ buddy

[SirTeeGeeEss]

Students for the win.

It's disgraceful how much tax people and corporations can avoid by registering their bank accounts offshore.

There need to be major taxation law changes to ensure that if you earn your money in the UK markets, then you pay your taxes to the UK at UK rates. I'm sure that the avoided taxes would be able to pay for the higher education sector several times over!

[hablerz]

@SirTeeGeeEss Phillip green should be squeezed , its not like his business could exist anywhere other than Britain. Plus he buys cheap Asian crap to sell in his shops.

[cumbriancool]

I take it he paid his taxes , as you've all eft off now?

[cowson2006]

These guys dont realise that this is life, unfortunately for all of us, we're fucked

[MrAviiiii]

LOL at 1:44 when the police are like "wtf, why did i get sent hear to listen to this pile ot shit, fucking cold"

[pexton]

I wonder how many of the protesters are wearing Top Shop clothing.

[alfskiiilee]

@pexton The guy who's blabbing on the most is head to toe in Topman, fucking cunt.

[gerryalsoknownas]

Fantastic work!

Also search for Vodafone and Tax Avoiders.

In terms of the tedious negative comments, ask yourself one simple question. Why on earth would ordinary citizens defend multi-million pound corporations who use elaborate tax avoidance schemes to avoid paying what’s due, while HMRC chase ordinary members of the public for tax underpayments? And then put Astroturfing in to google.

[homeski0]

argh, why did i click on this junk...

[williamkkkkk]

shut up and do your essays

[penelopepenelopepen]

Tax avoidance isn't a crime....

[TheLagunaSunrise]

@69salford69 lol... no, you're not.

Carry on listening to RATM, thinking you're 'making a difference'. :-D

FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME... ALTOGETHER NOW!!!... hehehehe

[69salford69]

@TheLagunaSunrise

"Julian Assange, founder of Wikileaks has been placed on Interpol's most wanted list for RAPE.

...Canadian representative has called for his excecution"

- ITV News, 10 minutes ago

[TheLagunaSunrise]

@69salford69 And that's relevant to this... how... ? Dopey bastard.

[69salford69]

@TheLagunaSunrise

It's relevant to you saying we are never going to change anything. Knowledge is power and now you know Wikileaks founder is being hunted like Saddam.

[TheLagunaSunrise]

@69salford69 Wikileaks is part of a ploy to greatly restrict and eventually destroy the internet. The fact you've fallen for it proves how stupid you are. Another reason why you'll never be changing anything. lol

[69salford69]

@TheLagunaSunrise

"Wikileaks is part of a ploy to greatly restrict and eventually destroy the internet"

- Can you provide links or proof please?

[TheLagunaSunrise]

@69salford69 The proof will come when the internet starts to be restricted. You think governments around the world aren't monitoring what the masses are saying? The internet terrifies them all, because the truth speads quicker than wildfire on here. Do you REALLY believe that information as sensitive as what Wikileaks has released is true? It's funny how this Wikileaks just popped up out of nowhere, and now it's making international news. Nothing fishy about that, to you? Give me a break!

[69salford69]

@TheLagunaSunrise To be fair you're talking sense. I'm not fully aware of all the facts and I don't believe I committed myself in any way.

The point I was actually trying to make was that your posts seem negative, offering no solutions to OUR common problem.

I'd heard a theory similar to what you say. The "leaks" on Wikileak are nothing damaging to the Elite, not ground-breaking stuff.

So Wikileaks breaches National Security, calling for the internet to be condemned as a terror tool?

[TheLagunaSunrise]

@69salford69 No, but the 'leaks' wouldn't have to be 'damaging'. Wikileaks would just be used as a reason for restrictions to be placed on the internet. Where the hell are these 'leaks' coming from? And so frequent too... The internet can be used to spread ANY kind of information. This very comment can be viewed in any corner of the globe that has an internet connection. This is what the elite hate. It's that simple.

My posts may seem negative. I have little in common with most students.

[69salford69]

@TheLagunaSunrise

" I have little in common with most students." -Except the fact we're all slaves.

[TheLagunaSunrise]

@69salford69 And your solution? Explain to me how you would change the life of the average working Briton, if you were to have your way. Don't sugar-coat it and beat around the bush. Get to the point.

[69salford69]

@TheLagunaSunrise

FORCE every man, woman and child to participate in politics.

We are totally ignorant. Remove the ignorance and replace it with KNOWLEDGE.

Knowledge is power.

"To change the World we must change ourselves"

[TheLagunaSunrise]

@69salford69 That's how I thought you'd reply... vague. I am asking you how you would change the life of the average Briton if you were in power. How would you make life better? Specifics.

[69salford69]

@TheLagunaSunrise OK.

First of all, I'd never take such power. That's how we got here in the first place.

If I had "power" to reach 60 million people how could I influence their life to make it better????

A) Take control of soldiers in military

B) Take control of police officers

C) Take control of Government

D) FORCE participation from citizens who are better qualified to make decisions than me

Answers will come when we have all our minds working together. Then life will be better

[AnnaManettaStark]

SUCH A GOOD STATEMENT !!

[RS358]

Coulda chucked a couple of rocks through the windows for dramatic effect. They've got enough money anyway.

[glenn85uk]

haha, just don't become one of those cunts when u grow up plx

[TheLagunaSunrise]

Silly little upper middle-class students think they can change the whole entire world. lol

[alexward42]

@TheLagunaSunrise Is your counter-argument apathy?

[TheLagunaSunrise]

@alexward42 Well seeing as humans are fucking up the entire world with over-population (high birthrates), which means greater consumption of energy, more pollution, destruction of wildlife, destruction of the environment etc... and it's because we've got too big for our boots. It's as if humans were never meant to reach this point, and now we've got to deal with the consequences... I can't help but think.. fuck everyone. Hey, just think; the earth & this solar system won't even exist one day :-)

[DnBDaily]

@TheLagunaSunrise Or just Britain you dumb cunt?

[TheLagunaSunrise]

@DnBDaily Nope, they think they can change the entire world STARTING with Britain. These people are delusional little students that think they can completely eradicate poverty, AIDS etc etc by bringing down the capitalist system. lol

[DnBDaily]

@TheLagunaSunrise You got all that from one protest?One they can change Britain for good and they will the Tories popularity rankings have dropped 35%already giving labour vast majority.The youth can and will change the world for our elders mistakes you may be too stubborn to change your mistakes but we will even though its your fault.They are all possible , change a country then influence change for good on the world.Smallpox eradicated so can aids.The world has to change, you just dont like it

[TheLagunaSunrise]

@DnBDaily Everyone knows the politics of most upper middle-class students. They think they can change the world, and you've just pretty much proven my point with your last comment.

My mistakes? My fault? What are my mistakes & what is my fault?

The world is fucked, kid. No one's changing it... for the better anyway. It's only downhill from now on. Can you really not see humans are regressing?

[69salford69]

@TheLagunaSunrise

You're on your own here. This is action.

Look at the banner, read what it says;

"You marketise our education

We educate your market"

[TheLagunaSunrise]

@69salford69 I don't care. You're not changing anything. You never will.

[edwards21416]

@DnBDaily what about natural selection

[badboykilroy]

FUCK TOP SHOP YEEAAAAHHHHHH

[cremedelacreme89]

Not a dark face in sight...

[cremedelacreme89]

@cremedelacreme89 OK 1...

[TheLagunaSunrise]

@cremedelacreme89 Just so you know, people with darker skin weren't prohibited from attending this protest. Make your argument loud and clear, instead of leaving worthless remarks like that.

[SuperTruth77]

A mate of mine went into his local Top Shop & put little slips of paper saying "Philip Green is a tax-avoiding c!&t" into the pocket of as many jackets and trousers as he could...

[femguy]

@SuperTruth77 hats off to your mate well original and direct action.keep on keeping on ppl.

[gin878]

@SuperTruth77 did. wow. really clever .... and funny.

[PhantaJisto]

This restores my faith in humanity.

Let's have this every day, on every high street in Britain.

[james9689]

Brilliant stuff

[vivalajazz56]

A bunch of posh kids having a good time.

[imperceptible9]

Get ON it - don't be afraid to organise more, don't be intimidated, get involved

[marycigarettes]

wonderful speaker there...clear as bells and i learned a lot

[alexlodda]

Yeah!!

[lilcrai]

Excellent speech.

Solidarity from the University for Strategic Optimism!

[linuscat]

Brilliant! well done

[riseupandreclaim]

Maximum respect to the guy speaking very clear and direct, it's this sort of action that will make a difference, let's keep chipping away at these corrupt corporate capitalist parasites, bring them down, time for change, bring on the REVOLUTION

[llieno]

Go students!

[77nam55]

amazing...

[makosharque]

Excellently thought-out and carried-out protest. Supported.

[Allotar]

Well said, well done guys! Don't give up! :) Greetings from Greece!

[blametherich]

I WORK FOR THAT COMPANY AND IT'S NOT JUST P.G.,IT'S FULL OF PEOPLE WITH HIGH SALARIES PAYING BONUSES TO THEMSELVES WHILE FREEZING THE SALARIES OF THE WORKERS AS MUCH AS THEY CAN.KEEP FIGHTING GUYS!!!!AND SHOW TO SOCIETY THAT NOT ALL YOUNG PEOPLE IS ALIENATED BY THIS FAKE CAPITALISM WHERE THE MONEY JUST MOVE AMONG THE RICHES OR THIEVES AS YOU PREFER TO CALLL THEM.

THEY TRY TO SELL US THE IDEA THAT WE LIVE IN FREEDOM WHEN THE REALITY IS THAT THERE WAS MORE FREEDOM IN THE 80'S THAN NOW

[moonbeamz2002]

briliiant. articulate, intelligent, educated!!!! & creative.

[academysounds]

Go for it. May the good will of God be done.

[womblefree]

one rule for them and another for the peasants, we, truly deserve to be fleeced if we sit on our hands and do nothing, this is a small step in the right direction, well done

[Gresaaa]

Holy shit wow

[endymionsleeps]

Brilliant!! these actions seem to be popping up all over, many more to come no doubt!

[bairdrew]

for what youtube comments count, youve sure as hell got my support!

[allippincott]

Pretty brilliant.

[8HALO8]

yay! well done :) 

[lawli56]

Well done guys, keep up the pressure!

[saidakhu]

I've never seen a more sheepish looking policeman.

[yasminx16]

Well done guys!

[raresessions]

Wonderful stuffs people!

[Usayd]

Fantastic!