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Google faces grilling at public accounts committee - Politics live Jeremy Hunt's statement to MPs on junior doctors' dispute - Politics live
(35 minutes later)
12.05pm GMT
12:05
Hunt said the process has “uncovered deep seated concerns about morale, well-being and quality of life” and he cites separation from spouse and families on placements and inadequate support from seniors.
He has asked Dame Sue Bailey to lead a review into measures outside the contract that will improve morale.
12.04pm GMT
12:04
Hunt says the government’s “door remained open” for three years and said the departments showed a willingness to negotiate time and again.
But he said it was imperative both sides demonstrated flexibility and compromise. “The BMA proved ultimately unwilling to do that.”
He refers to eight studies on weekend death rates, and said that six pointed to inadequate staffing levels.
Hunt said he is confident that the new contract is “one that in time can commend the confidence of workforce and employers.”
11.59am GMT
11:59
Hunt says those working one in four or more Saturdays will receive a pay premium of 30%. It does represent a reduction in current rates, because hospitals must be able to afford additional weekend restoring.
The government will also give doctors a basic pay rise of 13.5%.
11.57am GMT
11:57
Hunt will impose contract on junior doctors
Hunt pays tribute to the chief negotiator, Sir David Dalton, who he said has reached agreement on 90% of issues.
But Sir David and NHS England’s chief executive, Simon Stevens had asked him to end the uncertainty, and Hunt said he has decided to do that today.
Updated
at 12.06pm GMT
11.55am GMT
11:55
Jeremy Hunt in the House of Commons
I’m switching now to cover Jeremy Hunt’s statement on the junior doctors’ contract in the House of Commons, he’s expected to impose the contract on the doctors this summer.
11.54am GMT
11:54
Labour MP Caroline Flint asks why HMRC hasn’t applied any penalties to Google for non-payment of tax over the last five years.
It is very difficult to argue they have taken insufficient care, even if they have come to the wrong conclusion in their accounting, Harra said.
Flint says that the lawyers and tax experts of Google have “out- manoeuvred” HMRC and says there is “considerable public anger”.
Updated
at 11.54am GMT
11.51am GMT
11:51
Lin Homer is going back to the letter sent last night to the committee. The letter contained taxpayer-confidential information, she said, which they needed Google permission to make public. She insists the information was intended to be aired in the committee.
The SNP’s Deirdre Brock said the committee does not need the exact numbers. What they need to know is, is every business treated the same, even small shops in her constituencies?
It is exactly the same process, Brock said, though admits the average length of an investigation is 22 months so “this was a long one”.
11.45am GMT
11:45
Jim Harra, HMRC’s Director General for Business Tax says he does not have a figure for how much the six-year investigation into Google has cost the taxpayer.
Obviously, us conducting a six year audit is a very expensive and resource intensive process which, obviously, I wish we didn’t have to do.
They do not usually take six years. It is a new area of the economy. [For companies like Google] their scale and business model and ways their customers behave change all the time. we can’t just look at one year and extrapolate that to other year.
It was long, resource-intensive and pain-staking.
Updated
at 11.45am GMT
11.42am GMT
11:42
Up next is HMRC’s turn to be probed over the tax arrangment with Google, and corporate tax deals more generally.
In front of the committee is Dame Lin Homer, chief executive and permanent secretary, Jim Harra, director general of business tax and Edward Troup, tax assurance commissioner.
Hillier reveals that the committee received a letter yesterday offering some confidential background information about the HMRC and Google deal.
Homer admits that letter was co-ordinated with Google, offering to share more information about the deal with the PAC.
Hillier said the approach was disappointing.
We want answers about this in public, so taxpayers hear the answers too. Last minute, confidential information does not help that. We want to talk openly and honestly.
I don’t need to remind you that you are public servants. I was disappointed with that approach.
Updated
at 11.43am GMT
11.36am GMT
11:36
Here’s some reaction from the Twitter-sphere about the Google executives in front of the PAC.
"If you are so keen on this tax reform, why don't you lead by example" #googletax
Bonkers of Google to pretend that *its* tax complexity is a function of tax rules. It's a function of Google's choices.
What we have discovered PAC/Google: 10 year deal - taxes £112m, interest £18m, Google says it's "fair", UK tax structure stays the same
David Mowat on PAC asks Google if their employees are proud of them not paying more tax. Ridiculous idealistic nonsense
11.34am GMT11.34am GMT
11:3411:34
PAC concludes questioning GooglePAC concludes questioning Google
Hillier concludes by calling on the company to be more transparent.Hillier concludes by calling on the company to be more transparent.
Why don’t you lead by example to provide more information to the general public and to other countries?Why don’t you lead by example to provide more information to the general public and to other countries?
If you want your staff to be proud, if you want to do good in the world, then why can’t you tell the ordinary British taxpayer how your settlement was reached?If you want your staff to be proud, if you want to do good in the world, then why can’t you tell the ordinary British taxpayer how your settlement was reached?
Hutchinson said no company has ever provided as much detail on a tax settlement as Google, but he cannot say more because it is commercially sensitive.Hutchinson said no company has ever provided as much detail on a tax settlement as Google, but he cannot say more because it is commercially sensitive.
11.30am GMT11.30am GMT
11:3011:30
Back at the PAC, Richard Bacon MP is still pressing the Google executives on the exact pre-tax profit of Google of which 19% tax was paid.Back at the PAC, Richard Bacon MP is still pressing the Google executives on the exact pre-tax profit of Google of which 19% tax was paid.
I’m trying to express myself clearly. You paid tax at 19%, which must be 19% of something. You have said several times that you pay it at 19%.I’m trying to express myself clearly. You paid tax at 19%, which must be 19% of something. You have said several times that you pay it at 19%.
You answer that by saying that is spread over 5 years. I can’t understand why you don’t know that. I don’t understand why you don’t have that figures now. I’m very surprised you don’t know it.You answer that by saying that is spread over 5 years. I can’t understand why you don’t know that. I don’t understand why you don’t have that figures now. I’m very surprised you don’t know it.
11.26am GMT11.26am GMT
11:2611:26
While I’ve been focussed on the Google evidence at the select committee, Chris Bryant, the shadow leader of the house, has been asking an urgent question on short money in the House of Commons, relating to the funding of political parties.While I’ve been focussed on the Google evidence at the select committee, Chris Bryant, the shadow leader of the house, has been asking an urgent question on short money in the House of Commons, relating to the funding of political parties.
He called George’s Osborne’s plans to cut the funding of state grants to opposition political parties by 19% as “shabby”.He called George’s Osborne’s plans to cut the funding of state grants to opposition political parties by 19% as “shabby”.
Bryant said Commons Leader Chris Grayling had failed to turn up for three meetings yesterday on the issue.Bryant said Commons Leader Chris Grayling had failed to turn up for three meetings yesterday on the issue.
Why, frankly, isn’t the Leader of the House doing his proper job and standing at the despatch box today?Why, frankly, isn’t the Leader of the House doing his proper job and standing at the despatch box today?
What’s the word for this behaviour? Is it shabby, tawdry or just downright cynical?What’s the word for this behaviour? Is it shabby, tawdry or just downright cynical?
Here’s the report from the Press Association of the exchange between Bryant and Cabinet Office Minister John Penrose.Here’s the report from the Press Association of the exchange between Bryant and Cabinet Office Minister John Penrose.
Replying to an urgent question from Labour, Cabinet Office Minister John Penrose told MPs a consultation will start “shortly”.Replying to an urgent question from Labour, Cabinet Office Minister John Penrose told MPs a consultation will start “shortly”.
Opening his remarks, Mr Bryant quoted previous Conservative comments objecting to opposition parties being under-resourced at a time when spending has increased on taxpayer-funded special advisers.Opening his remarks, Mr Bryant quoted previous Conservative comments objecting to opposition parties being under-resourced at a time when spending has increased on taxpayer-funded special advisers.
He said: “In opposition the Prime Minister said he would cut the number and cost of special advisers, yet in Government he has appointed 27 more special advisers than ever before and the cost has gone up to the taxpayer by 2.5 million a year.He said: “In opposition the Prime Minister said he would cut the number and cost of special advisers, yet in Government he has appointed 27 more special advisers than ever before and the cost has gone up to the taxpayer by 2.5 million a year.
“There’s a word for that Mr Speaker but it’s not parliamentary.”“There’s a word for that Mr Speaker but it’s not parliamentary.”
“In opposition, the Conservatives banked 46 million a year in short money but in Government they want to cut short money by 20% for the Opposition.“In opposition, the Conservatives banked 46 million a year in short money but in Government they want to cut short money by 20% for the Opposition.
“There’s a word for that Mr Speaker but it’s not parliamentary.“There’s a word for that Mr Speaker but it’s not parliamentary.
“How can it be right for the Government to cut the policy development grant for political parties by 19% when it’s not cutting the amount of money spent on special advisers of its own?“How can it be right for the Government to cut the policy development grant for political parties by 19% when it’s not cutting the amount of money spent on special advisers of its own?
“Surely history has taught us that an overweening executive is always a mistake.“Surely history has taught us that an overweening executive is always a mistake.
“Surely if a party in Government needs financial support in addition to the civil service then it’s in the national interest that all the opposition parties should be properly resourced as well.”“Surely if a party in Government needs financial support in addition to the civil service then it’s in the national interest that all the opposition parties should be properly resourced as well.”
Mr Byrant said the Government has been briefing journalists that its proposals will be published on Friday - when Parliament is in recess.Mr Byrant said the Government has been briefing journalists that its proposals will be published on Friday - when Parliament is in recess.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.27am GMTat 11.27am GMT
11.21am GMT11.21am GMT
11:2111:21
Hutchinson says Google is paying what they think is a “reasonable” amount of tax - 19%. Mowat said if that is the case, why do they book sales in Ireland, channel business through the Netherlands and Bermuda?Hutchinson says Google is paying what they think is a “reasonable” amount of tax - 19%. Mowat said if that is the case, why do they book sales in Ireland, channel business through the Netherlands and Bermuda?
If we did have our UK office selling directly to UK customers, that would be a change in our structure, but would not change that the tax rules require you pay tax in the UK relating to the value of the profits generated in the UK?If we did have our UK office selling directly to UK customers, that would be a change in our structure, but would not change that the tax rules require you pay tax in the UK relating to the value of the profits generated in the UK?
Is Tom Hutchinson from @Google honestly saying they'd pay the SAME tax in the UK if they had a permanent establishment here? Really?? #pacIs Tom Hutchinson from @Google honestly saying they'd pay the SAME tax in the UK if they had a permanent establishment here? Really?? #pac
11.17am GMT11.17am GMT
11:1711:17
Tory MP David Mowat concedes Google has paid “probably the right amount of tax” given its exceptionally complex tax structures.Tory MP David Mowat concedes Google has paid “probably the right amount of tax” given its exceptionally complex tax structures.
But he says it is not the correct moral course.But he says it is not the correct moral course.
You use Ireland, Holland, Bermuda. Doesn’t it bother you some of your employees might bail out over that?You use Ireland, Holland, Bermuda. Doesn’t it bother you some of your employees might bail out over that?
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.17am GMTat 11.17am GMT
11.15am GMT11.15am GMT
11:1511:15
Hutchinson said it was not a negotiated tax settlement.Hutchinson said it was not a negotiated tax settlement.
There was not a number that was thrown out by HMRC and we negotiated it down. That is not the way the process worked.There was not a number that was thrown out by HMRC and we negotiated it down. That is not the way the process worked.
Bacon said the row is ruining the reputation of the internet giant.Bacon said the row is ruining the reputation of the internet giant.
This is staining your reputations. You have chosen to take very complex routes. You can’t like the fact that lots of people hate you because of this. Why don’t you face up to that?This is staining your reputations. You have chosen to take very complex routes. You can’t like the fact that lots of people hate you because of this. Why don’t you face up to that?
Brittin said they cannot pay more than the government demands of them.Brittin said they cannot pay more than the government demands of them.
We have reached the end of a lengthy independent process. At the end of the process, the HMRC told us exactly the right amount to pay and we are paying it. We have just finished an intensive review with tax specialists where they decided this is the right amount to pay.We have reached the end of a lengthy independent process. At the end of the process, the HMRC told us exactly the right amount to pay and we are paying it. We have just finished an intensive review with tax specialists where they decided this is the right amount to pay.
We believe we are [paying the right amount] because this is what we are asked to pay.We believe we are [paying the right amount] because this is what we are asked to pay.
11.09am GMT11.09am GMT
11:0911:09
An extraordinary response to a question from Tory MP Richard Bacon.An extraordinary response to a question from Tory MP Richard Bacon.
Can you tell me the number on which you paid tax at 20%?Can you tell me the number on which you paid tax at 20%?
Brittin said he does not have the profit numbers in front of him. Hutchinson said he also does not have the exact numbers of how much tax was paid in the UK. Bacon himself uses a calculator to work out the profits on activities in the UK - around £230m.Brittin said he does not have the profit numbers in front of him. Hutchinson said he also does not have the exact numbers of how much tax was paid in the UK. Bacon himself uses a calculator to work out the profits on activities in the UK - around £230m.
Why did it take you take six years - as long as the second world war - to explain your activities adequately to HMRC? Are you saying it’s HMRC’s fault for being so slow. Either you’re bad at explaining or they are very thick at understanding.Why did it take you take six years - as long as the second world war - to explain your activities adequately to HMRC? Are you saying it’s HMRC’s fault for being so slow. Either you’re bad at explaining or they are very thick at understanding.
Brittin said HMRC interviewed people at Google “from top-to-bottom” to try to understand the way the business operates.Brittin said HMRC interviewed people at Google “from top-to-bottom” to try to understand the way the business operates.
It’s incredible that it takes six years to explain what the internet is, Bacon said.It’s incredible that it takes six years to explain what the internet is, Bacon said.
11.02am GMT11.02am GMT
11:0211:02
Tom Hutchinson has repeatedly insisted the company’s tax arrangements in Bermuda have no impact on the tax paid in the UK.Tom Hutchinson has repeatedly insisted the company’s tax arrangements in Bermuda have no impact on the tax paid in the UK.
Jolyon Maugham QC, a barrister specialising in tax, says this cannot possibly be the case.Jolyon Maugham QC, a barrister specialising in tax, says this cannot possibly be the case.
Bermuda *does* have an impact on tax paid in the UK. Without the Bermuda tax haven Google would have no incentive to avoid UK taxes.Bermuda *does* have an impact on tax paid in the UK. Without the Bermuda tax haven Google would have no incentive to avoid UK taxes.
11.00am GMT11.00am GMT
11:0011:00
There is robust laughter in the room as Brittin attempts to suggest that Ireland is a good base for Google because of the numbers of languages spoken by staff.There is robust laughter in the room as Brittin attempts to suggest that Ireland is a good base for Google because of the numbers of languages spoken by staff.
“Not for tax reasons?” Mowat says. Brittin admits favourable tax arrangements were one of the reasons, as well as lower property prices and good internet connections across the Atlantic.“Not for tax reasons?” Mowat says. Brittin admits favourable tax arrangements were one of the reasons, as well as lower property prices and good internet connections across the Atlantic.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.00am GMTat 11.00am GMT
10.58am GMT10.58am GMT
10:5810:58
Conservative MP David Mowat mockingly said it is “laudable” that Google says it wants a simpler tax system, but says the company cannot blame the UK for having a complex system because its company has a complex structure.Conservative MP David Mowat mockingly said it is “laudable” that Google says it wants a simpler tax system, but says the company cannot blame the UK for having a complex system because its company has a complex structure.
It wasn’t us who decided to say all our sales were booked in Dublin. It wasn’t us that decided that the ways you were going to choose to operate by using ‘the double Irish’.It wasn’t us who decided to say all our sales were booked in Dublin. It wasn’t us that decided that the ways you were going to choose to operate by using ‘the double Irish’.
You tell us you want a transparent system. Yet you use the double Irish, you use the Dutch Sandwich, you use Bermuda.You tell us you want a transparent system. Yet you use the double Irish, you use the Dutch Sandwich, you use Bermuda.
Your argument is everyone else does it so we do.Your argument is everyone else does it so we do.
10.55am GMT10.55am GMT
10:5510:55
Tom Hutchinson, Google’s head of tax, is adamant that it is the tax system, not the company, which is to blame for the current row.Tom Hutchinson, Google’s head of tax, is adamant that it is the tax system, not the company, which is to blame for the current row.
He’s clearly not exactly enjoying his time in front of the committee.He’s clearly not exactly enjoying his time in front of the committee.
I would love to see the system be more simple so we won’t have to come to meetings like this and explain it, but we need the governments to work together and develop an overall worldwide system.I would love to see the system be more simple so we won’t have to come to meetings like this and explain it, but we need the governments to work together and develop an overall worldwide system.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.55am GMTat 10.55am GMT
10.49am GMT10.49am GMT
10:4910:49
Tax came up from 'time-to-time' in meetings with ministers, Google admitsTax came up from 'time-to-time' in meetings with ministers, Google admits
Flint draws attention to more than 20 meetings which Google had with ministers over the past five years and asks if the tax question “ever came up”.Flint draws attention to more than 20 meetings which Google had with ministers over the past five years and asks if the tax question “ever came up”.
Brittin says there has been no political involvement in the deal with HMRC. Flint and Hillier says that is not the question. Brittin says they have never sought a meeting with government over tax deals. Again, Flint said, that is not the question.Brittin says there has been no political involvement in the deal with HMRC. Flint and Hillier says that is not the question. Brittin says they have never sought a meeting with government over tax deals. Again, Flint said, that is not the question.
I’m sure, given the scrutiny, we’ve had that the tax issue will have come up from time to time. You’d be surprised if you didn’t given the scrutiny.I’m sure, given the scrutiny, we’ve had that the tax issue will have come up from time to time. You’d be surprised if you didn’t given the scrutiny.
Google and government had informal chats about their tax arrangements. Wonder what was said?Google and government had informal chats about their tax arrangements. Wonder what was said?
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.51am GMTat 10.51am GMT
10.43am GMT10.43am GMT
10:4310:43
Caroline Flint is speaking now. She asks about the remaining £112m paid in tax, because the other £18m was interest, and asks if any fines were paid. Hutchinson says not.Caroline Flint is speaking now. She asks about the remaining £112m paid in tax, because the other £18m was interest, and asks if any fines were paid. Hutchinson says not.
Flint asks if Google thinks it is a fair settlement. Hutchinson says he thinks it is, after an extensive audit. “It was higher than we paid on returns,” he said.Flint asks if Google thinks it is a fair settlement. Hutchinson says he thinks it is, after an extensive audit. “It was higher than we paid on returns,” he said.
“So, why weren’t you paying it in the tax years during that six-year period?” Flint said.“So, why weren’t you paying it in the tax years during that six-year period?” Flint said.
It’s a good question, Hutchinson admitted, to some murmurings in the room.It’s a good question, Hutchinson admitted, to some murmurings in the room.
Flint says the public will be incredulous.Flint says the public will be incredulous.
The public tuning into this will be asking themselves, how can a massive company like Google, with all the expertise that it hires, how can HMRC not, in real time, tackle the problems of how you pay your tax?The public tuning into this will be asking themselves, how can a massive company like Google, with all the expertise that it hires, how can HMRC not, in real time, tackle the problems of how you pay your tax?
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.44am GMTat 10.44am GMT
10.37am GMT10.37am GMT
10:3710:37
'We have never paid a larger settlement than the one we just agreed to''We have never paid a larger settlement than the one we just agreed to'
Brittin said the reports were just statements by politicians in those countries, “politicians who would like to see tax paid in proportion to sales”, rather than actual deals.Brittin said the reports were just statements by politicians in those countries, “politicians who would like to see tax paid in proportion to sales”, rather than actual deals.
Hutchinson goes further, and says the British tax settlement is the highest ever paid.Hutchinson goes further, and says the British tax settlement is the highest ever paid.
Those are articles that are not based on facts. I can say, we have never paid, as part of an audit outside the US, we have never paid a larger settlement than the one we just agreed to.Those are articles that are not based on facts. I can say, we have never paid, as part of an audit outside the US, we have never paid a larger settlement than the one we just agreed to.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.37am GMTat 10.37am GMT
10.31am GMT10.31am GMT
10:3110:31
Tom Hutchinson, Google’s head of tax, repeats Brittin’s point that profits Google makes from UK customers are related to the value created outside the UK, the technology of the Google search engine.Tom Hutchinson, Google’s head of tax, repeats Brittin’s point that profits Google makes from UK customers are related to the value created outside the UK, the technology of the Google search engine.
Look at the value of the substance of the values for services in the UK, what would you pay a third party? That’s what we did doing our tax returns, HMRC came back and argued that should be a higher amount, that’s what we ended up paying.Look at the value of the substance of the values for services in the UK, what would you pay a third party? That’s what we did doing our tax returns, HMRC came back and argued that should be a higher amount, that’s what we ended up paying.
Jackson asks him whether it is true that Google have had “involved” discussions with Italy and France over their tax affairs, which Hutchinson refuses to comment on. It has been reported the web giant is set to pay the French government more than three times what it has paid HMRC.Jackson asks him whether it is true that Google have had “involved” discussions with Italy and France over their tax affairs, which Hutchinson refuses to comment on. It has been reported the web giant is set to pay the French government more than three times what it has paid HMRC.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.36am GMTat 10.36am GMT
10.25am GMT10.25am GMT
10:2510:25
Stewart Jackson, Conservative MP, called Google’s press release about how it had agreed to pay £130m in back taxes “a dead cat strategy”,Stewart Jackson, Conservative MP, called Google’s press release about how it had agreed to pay £130m in back taxes “a dead cat strategy”,
“You knew that would put pressure on the Treasure and HMRC,” he said.“You knew that would put pressure on the Treasure and HMRC,” he said.
Stewart Jackson accuses Google of using tax press release as a "dead cat". Dead cats have definitely jumped the shark.Stewart Jackson accuses Google of using tax press release as a "dead cat". Dead cats have definitely jumped the shark.
He also calls the article Brittin wrote in the Telegraph, on reformation of international tax, as Google posing as “a disinterested observer”.He also calls the article Brittin wrote in the Telegraph, on reformation of international tax, as Google posing as “a disinterested observer”.
You have made a choice to avoid tax, and you have set up structures specifically to do so. I think there’s an element here of we are doing the UK taxpayer a favour by paying tax.You have made a choice to avoid tax, and you have set up structures specifically to do so. I think there’s an element here of we are doing the UK taxpayer a favour by paying tax.
Quite frankly, if i hadn’t disclosed between 2005 to 2015 all the circumstances of my income I would be in trouble with HMRC. Why are you different?Quite frankly, if i hadn’t disclosed between 2005 to 2015 all the circumstances of my income I would be in trouble with HMRC. Why are you different?
Brittin said the audit was a way for HMRC was to understand “the nature of internet business”.Brittin said the audit was a way for HMRC was to understand “the nature of internet business”.
He says the heart of the matter for income tax is place where “value is created.”He says the heart of the matter for income tax is place where “value is created.”
Most of the value is created by the search, which is developed and built in the US, some is created by the marketing but most by the search. There are 20,000 engineers in the US, and 1,000 in the UK.Most of the value is created by the search, which is developed and built in the US, some is created by the marketing but most by the search. There are 20,000 engineers in the US, and 1,000 in the UK.
The rules require you to pay your tax based on the economic value creation.The rules require you to pay your tax based on the economic value creation.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.26am GMTat 10.26am GMT
10.13am GMT10.13am GMT
10:1310:13
Google’s Brittin says he wants to clarify the most recent tax bill that attracted the negative attention.Google’s Brittin says he wants to clarify the most recent tax bill that attracted the negative attention.
He says that of the £130 million it paid in back taxes, £18 million was interest and the rest is tax.He says that of the £130 million it paid in back taxes, £18 million was interest and the rest is tax.
Brittin is asked the cost of Google’s new base in Kings Cross, which he says has cost around £1bn. He insists that despite the size and cost of the building, the global operation’s headquarters are still based in Ireland.Brittin is asked the cost of Google’s new base in Kings Cross, which he says has cost around £1bn. He insists that despite the size and cost of the building, the global operation’s headquarters are still based in Ireland.
“Frankly you are taxing already my patience and the patience of the hard-working taxpayer out there,” Hillier says.“Frankly you are taxing already my patience and the patience of the hard-working taxpayer out there,” Hillier says.
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at 10.16am GMTat 10.16am GMT
10.09am GMT
10:09
Google/
Meg Hillier MP is quizzing Matt Brittin, current President of EMEA Business & Operations for Google, and the exchange is already pretty testy.
We are here for taxpayers in Britain, do you hear the anger and the frustration out there, with these huge figures?
The £130 million figure was “the conclusion of a six-year rigorous, independent tax audit in which we are paying tax at 20% like every other UK company”, Brittin said. “We are paying tax at 20% on the activities in the UK.”
Hillier asks Brittin what he gets paid, after asking him to confirm chief executive of Google Sundar Picha, has been paid £138m.
He says he will “disclose that if it’s relevant to the committee”.
Hillier asks him to state it publicly, and Brittin says he must check the figures.
“You don’t know what you get paid?” she asks, incredulous. MPs burst out laughing.
Updated
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10.04am GMT
10:04
Google’s evidence to the public accounts committee is due to start in the next few minutes, with the executives taking their seats now in Portcullis House.
9.47am GMT
09:47
The BBC’s Norman Smith has the letter from the government’s chief negotiator, Sir David Dalton, which is the clincher for Hunt’s statement later, where he is expected to impose a new contract on junior doctors from August 1.
Everyone’s first preference has always been for a negotiated outcome. Unfortunately this no longer seems possible.
I therefore advise the government to do whatever it deems necessary to end uncertainty for the service [the NHS] and to make sure that the new contract is in place which is as close as possible to the final position put forward to the BMA yesterday.
Govt chief negotiator David Dalton letter to Jeremy Hunt #juniordoctors pic.twitter.com/WwheF5fjwX
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9.39am GMT
09:39
The government’s so-called snoopers’ charter needs “significant amendments and further work,” according to a joint parliamentary committee.
The committee were particularly critical of the proposal that internet browsing records of all citizens be stored, which it called intrusive, and said the threat to privacy outweighed the value of the data to security services.
Scrutiny committee on snoopers charter say much stronger powers and independence needed for judicial oversight commissioners
Lord Murphy, who is chairing the committee looking at the Draft Investigatory Powers Bill, said more clarification is needed before Parliament can be assured the full implications of the bill have been thought through.
The committee has made 86 recommendations, including more safeguards for internet and phone data collection.
Earlier this week, the Intelligence and Security Committee also warned that the draft bill did not have sufficient civil liberties safeguards.
More on this later.
Updated
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9.33am GMT
09:33
Here’s some background to Hunt’s statement later.
Related: Jeremy Hunt set to impose new contract on junior doctors
Junior doctors and other medics are already expressing fury at the news that the contract may be imposed.
I'll be calling my lawyer https://t.co/anKn0FKh7U
Sad to hear #jyniordoctors contract will be imposed. Hope this won't make recruitment of #juniordoctors a nughtmare and increase locum spend
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9.28am GMT
09:28
An interesting line here from the Huffington Post’s Paul Waugh in his morning briefing email.
Will Hunt really impose jun doc contract, or is this one last bit of blinkmanship? WaughZone:https://t.co/Y6iuSAOJS6 pic.twitter.com/jLCGOziZ1E
9.19am GMT
09:19
Jeremy Hunt to deliver statement on junior doctors' contract
Health secretary Jeremy Hunt will make a statement to the Commons on the junior doctors’ contract, after yesterday’s strike action with the BMA.
This could very well turn out to be an announcement that the government will impose the contract on doctors this summer because negotiations have failed with the BMA. If Hunt does impose the contract, the doctors may then decide to pursue legal avenues.
He’s expected to address MPs around noon, after an urgent question by Chris Bryant on Short Money, so I’ll cover that statement as it happens after the first hour or so of Google’s appearance at the select committee.
Updated
at 9.27am GMT
9.13am GMT
09:13
Putin would back Brexit, says Hilary Benn
Hillary Benn, the shadow foreign secretary is speaking now at Chatham House on “the internationalist case for Europe”.
Benn campaigned against British membership at the time of the last public vote in 1975, and his father Tony Benn was and still an oft-quoted proponent of Brexit.
Times have changed, Benn said, and he now believes British interests are best protected by being part of the EU.
I have changed my view on Europe since 1975. I have been on a journey, not least because Britain has been on a journey too.
We live in a changing world and if you look at the future challenges we face I believe the case for Europe is stronger now than ever.
We have not lost our identity. The fact that we are not a member of the Euro nor part of Schengen shows that we can defend our national interest.
Benn put national security at the heart of his speech on the benefits of remaining in the union, a subject David Cameron has also been focused in recent days.
Let’s be clear. President Putin would shed no tears if Britain left the European Union.
He would see Brexit as a sign of our weakness and of the weakness of European solidarity at the very moment when we need to maintain our collective strength.
We need stronger international cooperation, not weaker. At this moment in this century, it would be an extraordinary folly to turn our back on this vitally important international alliance if we wish to help shape world events.
Hilary Benn hits the EU security button "Putin would see Brexit as a sign of our weakness and of the weakness of European solidarity".
There was also a not-so-veiled dig at the ‘Out’ campaigns messaging that getting Britain out of Europe is a patriotic duty.
There is nothing patriotic about diminishing the United Kingdom’s ability to make its voice heard by other nations.
Narrow nationalism is not the same as patriotism.
And stumbling out of Europe and pulling up the drawbridge would only serve to harm our position and influence in the world.
Hilary Benn pretty confident of a win. "I believe the British people will vote to stay in the EU."
9.02am GMT
09:02
Up at 10am, here are the Google and HMRC representatives up in front of public accounts committee chair Meg Hillier and MPs.
Matt Brittin, president, Google Europe, Middle East and Africa
A former management consultant and commercial director at Trinity Mirror, he has been at Google since 2007. Once told by Margaret Hodge that his company was “devious, calculated and unethical”.
Tom Hutchinson, vice president, Google Inc.
Travelling to London from Silicon Valley, he has previously told Bloomberg: “We have an obligation to our shareholders to set up a tax-efficient structure.”
Dame Lin Homer, chief executive and permanent secretary, HMRC
The outgoing chief executive has clashed previously with the public accounts committee over Google’s affairs, told three years ago her tax inspectors had not been tough enough with the tech giant.
Other representatives from HMRC:
Jim Harra, director general business tax
Edward Troup, tax assurance commissioner
My colleague Simon Bowers has written an in-depth look at the questions Google and HMRC will need to answer today -
Google’s effective global tax rate was 17% last year, yet the tax rates in its two largest markets – the US and the UK – were 35% and 20%. Why is Google not paying its fair share?
Is it fair for Google to use its lobbying and investment muscle to put pressure on politicians?
Why do ‘expert’ sales staff in Ireland earn less than half that of marketing support staff in the UK?
Related: Google's tax affairs: the players and questions they need to answer
8.52am GMT
08:52
Google faces grilling at public accounts committee
Good morning, I’m standing in for Andrew Sparrow on the live blog today, where the focus will be on Google’s evidence at the influential public accounts committee on corporate tax deals; we’ll also hear from HMRC.
I’ll also be monitoring the latest from Brussels as EU leaders are given the most recent draft of the reform deal being sought by David Cameron to persuade voters to remain in the EU. Hilary Benn, the shadow foreign secretary, has also pledged his support for the In campaign this morning, despite campaigning against British membership at the last public vote in 1975.
Elsewhere, the public administration select committee has said the Government’s English Votes for English Laws (EVEL) system is too complex, and suggested the “hostility” with which the arrangements were viewed by parties other than the Tories suggested they could end up as a “short term experiment”
And in a BBC charter review report published today by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee chaired by Jesse Norman, MPs criticised the BBC’s so-called “luvvies letter” signed by celebrities defending the corporation.
Here’s the agenda for today:
08.30 Hilary Benn’s speech and Q&A on Europe at Chatham House
10.00 Google and HM Revenue and Customs give evidence to the Commons Public Accounts Committee on corporate tax deals.
10.00 Nick Clegg appears to give evidence at the union and party funding committee
12.00 Nicola Sturgeon appears at Scottish First Minister’s Questions
17.45 The Prime Minister hosts a business ambassadors roundtable and reception at 10 Downing Street
In the Commons today
Select committee reports
I’ll also post breaking political news as it happens, as well as curating some of the best analysis and reaction from the rest of the web, with a summary at lunchtime and in the afternoon.
I’ll try to monitor comments below the line and answer questions when I can, but it may be quicker to get me on Twitter.
You can follow me or contact me there on @jessicaelgot.