There is no such animal as 'indirect taxation' - someone still pays the tax! My objection is that 'direct' taxation is in many cases fairer because everyone can see what is happening and it is directly progressive, 'indirect' taxation tends to be skewed and hit certain groups disproportionately - for example the rural poor (not all country dwellers are rich farmers).

Transparent taxation gives an opportunity for a discussion on priorities with prices attached, a shift to indirect taxation also helps conceals where money is being spent, out of sight, out of mind.

As a lifelong member of the Labour Party I find a world in which Roy Hattersley is portrayed as on the left of the party more than a little disconcerting! Media spin is part of the problem, perhaps the bigger problem is that we have an authoritarian government, of predominantly professional politicians, which believes in that spin and which listens to non-representative focus groups and advisers who do not reflect the world outside government.

Sorry for the rant

All the best

Steve