Steve1872

FF Thank you for taking the time to contact me. Michael McCann MP Member of Parliament for East Kilbride, Strathaven & Lesmahagow Michael McCann is going to contact them. He had a bit in the Lanark Gazette saying they have questions to answer I just received a reply from him and I was pleasantly surprised and heartened by his reply No ducking the issue. He states that he does not agree with an HMRC appeal and he is writing to the Chancellor regarding HMRC leaks . He has also signed the epetition. Well done Mr McCann

fromFF I got a prompt response from Iain McKenzie (MP for Inverclyde), he stated he has signed the petition and has had extensive discussions with Mr Brian Donohoe MP, who is taking several lines of enquiry forward in parliament.

30506 signed

71 more for 30000 Sunday will hopefully see a big pickup when word spreads. I would hope to be asked more than once

29500 signed

alex thomson‏@alextomo @jcassidy59 the spectre of hardworking taxpaying R fans defending organised tax-evasion is simply astonishing. alex thomson‏@alextomo Rangers e-petition 27000 people pleading to parliament to support evasive tax-avoiders. Beyond comedy.

PGB encouraged by league reconstruction talks Wednesday, 28 November 2012 The Scottish FA’s Professional Game Board met at Hampden Park today to hear and discuss proposals on league reconstruction made by the Scottish Premier League and the Scottish Football League. The PGB is encouraged by the common ground established on many issues in what is an emotive subject. The respective league bodies will now hold further discussions with their member clubs, in the hope that this common ground can be expanded upon within each proposal. The next meeting of the PGB is scheduled for January 30, 2013. However, it has offered to reconvene earlier to expedite the process once the bodies have held further talks with their members.

now 11th on list

12th on list

28000!!!!!!!!

anybody know if TBO or Union Bears have anything planned?

13th on the list

Celebrating 140 Years Written by Lindsay Herron A GALAXY of stars are heading for Ibrox on Saturday, December 8 to celebrate 140 years of Rangers. Fantastic activities are being planned for this momentous occasion and weâ??ll keep you up to date with whatâ??s going on as we build up to the big day. Of course, Ally McCoist and his team are seeking three important SFL 3 points when they take on Stirling Albion. Indeed, they will be seeking some retribution after suffering a shock defeat to Albion at Forthbank on October 6. However, itâ??s going to be an event that all fans will want to be at as we celebrate the history, heritage, passion and glory of Rangers Football Club. Some of the greatest players to wear a Royal Blue shirt will be there to take part in the festivities. And we are delighted to say today that two real gentlemen of the game from the immediate post-war period will be gracing us with their presence. The legendary Bobby Brown will be 90 next year but the man who played in goal behind the famous Iron Curtain defence under Bill Struth immediately after hostilities ended is delighted to be involved. Incredibly Bobby only missed one match in six years as Rangers dominated the game in the late 1940s and early 1950s and, of course, was part of the historic 1948/49 Treble-winning squad. He will be joined by Johnny Hubbard, the little South African who was such a popular player in the 1950s and still travels to watch Rangers as regularly as he can. Hubbard is iconic in the sense that he is the last Ranger to score a league hat-trick against Celtic â?? achieving the feat nearly 57 years ago on New Yearâ??s Day, 1955. You can pay your own special tribute to these two men and a host more which we will tell you more about in the coming days. And you will also be able to take part in a spectacular card display as we celebrate 140 years of Rangers. http://www.rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/item/2806-celebrating-140-years

We Wonâ??t Go Back to SPL Written by Lindsay Herron CHARLES GREEN has strenuously reiterated that he will not take Rangers back to the SPL in its current form as proposals for big changes to the Scottish game are now gaining momentum. The SFL are unanimously backing a 16-10-16 set-up which would, by definition, involve the SPL clubs going back to the Scottish League. While the SPL countered that with two divisions of 12 which would split into three divisions of eight after two rounds of fixtures, with no mention of the remaining 18 Scottish clubs. The Rangers Chief Executive has still to study both plans closely, but he is insistent that following the treatment by the SPL and continued problems over investigations and image rights he has no desire to rejoin their ranks. Speaking exclusively to RangersTV Green said: â??I have said before that I wouldnâ??t return to the SPL in its current form and I stand by that â?? it just wouldnâ??t happen. â??Whilst we have solved many issues the one big issue that has now been deferred to the 29th of January is the issue of title-stripping. â??I have said consistently since May that it achieves nothing and itâ??s nothing to do with my newco and therefore I wonâ??t engage with it. â??But while itâ??s out there as a threat then it makes it very difficult to engage with the SPL about how we might take things forward when they still might want to go backwards. â??So my position would be unchanged. It would be very difficult, indeed impossible, to engage with the SPL under those circumstances. â??We still have an on-going problem with image rights. The SPL have given us some allowances but itâ??s just a temporary fix so there are a whole raft of things that need to be tabled. â??I accept that while Rangers are the biggest club in Scotland we are not the only club and while we have to do whatâ??s right for Rangers we have to do whatâ??s right for Scottish football. â??There are parts that I personally might not like to endure but in the spirit of fixing things we are big and man enough to look at it again. â??There are a lot of questions out there that need to be answered and as Rangers are the biggest club in Scotland then we will be playing an active part with all of the groups to see how this problem in Scotland can be fixed and how we can mend the hurt that has been caused in the last year or more. â??In truth I donâ??t know enough about the proposals yet. I have only seen what has been in the public domain because I have been involved with the road shows. â??I have had some chats with the Football League but I havenâ??t spoken to the SPL about their proposals that they announced last week. â??But we need more information before we decide what the best route is for Rangers. â??We have to acknowledge that there is a problem in Scottish football that needs to be fixed sooner rather than later and we are happy to engage with whoever comes forward with a credible plan.â? http://rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/item/2805-we-won%E2%80%99t-go-back-to-spl

Archie Macpherson In the past few days, we have discovered that flash floods can take the form of a weighty 145-page tax judgment. I suspect new-born babies in their cradles were the only ones not swept off their feet by the tribunal verdict on Rangers. Especially vulnerable to the roaring tide were those who had cosily presented themselves as judge, jury and executioner, all in one, over the fate of Sir David Murray. This would include those who, with an insouciance that was almost breathtaking, would tell me of their "contact in the Revenue". Now, bloggers can be fantasists and there is no way of telling whether this was idle bragging or that their contact was no more than the tea lady supposedly drawing out revelations by tempting those in the know with digestive biscuits. I suspect these claims of getting people within Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs to sing like linties will now quietly subside. It is certainly indicative, though, of the extent of the involvement of those who, at the very least, clearly wished to influence perceptions of Rangers' misdemeanours. None of those people needed to tell me of Murray's failings. I criticised his prodigality, his rush of blood to the head over Tore Andre Flo, his acquiescence to Dick Advocaat on the construction of a vastly expensive training ground set against mounting debt, which admittedly was brought under control eventually, but not without considerable pain to successive managers at the club. And I would vote for any party who would legally prevent rich men from employing clever lawyers and accountants to act as satnavs to tax avoidance, which effectively is like pick-pocketing the rest of us. Yet all that is a country mile away from drawing a portrait of flagrant illegality over the use of EBTs. The paradox is that Murray's ditching of the club, when he did, meant he had no voice in the middle of the furore to fight back as Rangers took a right kicking from all quarters. This could be interpreted as a dignified silence or that of a man in an air-raid shelter waiting for the armistice to sound. Ally McCoist tried his best, but the Rangers manager is no Obama of soaring rhetoric. And Sandy Jardine on the steps of Hampden was no Mark Anthony on the steps of the Forum. So the boots swung in. And the wearer of the biggest tackety boots of all was the BBC. It seemed so sequential, ranging from the odd editing of a McCoist interview which certainly was not intended to portray him as soothsayer of the month, right through various programmes which suggested it was open-season on Rangers, since they had no case to answer. At the crux of all this was their award-winning documentary delving into what they perceived to be the murky depths of possible illicit payments at Ibrox. With respect to all the other media organs wading into Rangers, this programme was the real game-changer. I have not met one person yet who came away from that programme not concluding that Murray was up to no good. Even though it performed a valuable public exercise in exposing the dastardly Craig Whyte for what he truly is, at its core was the reference to Murray and EBTs. For, without the Damoclean tax sword hanging over Murray's head on this issue, Whyte would not have materialised in the first place. There is little doubt that views on Rangers hardened considerably on the back of a programme which allowed viewers to interpret inferences in their own way. That style was in fact a subtle and nuanced incrimination. The simple demonstration of the convoluted system of paying players by whatever means and the programme's passing on of evidence to appropriate authorities created that very sense of exposure of duplicity. As a piece of television it truly merited its award but, at the same time, whether through unintended consequences or not, it hardened views among Scottish Premier League members who were to vote on Rangers' future some weeks later and leant a credence to the word "cheating", effectively helping to move its province from the outlandish websites right into the heart of football discussion at the highest level. Rangers were thoroughly discredited by this programme even though, if it was motivated by a presumption of guilt on Murray's part, that has now been blown out of the water. I hope the pendulum of journalistic impartiality still exists there in what is one of the most valuable of public institutions. I admit to being hyper-sensitive about deliberate agendas as, when I joined the BBC more than four decades ago, I found myself in a departmental anti-Catholic, anti-Celtic ethos which I had to fight against; successfully, I have to claim, as Jock Stein became a regular associate of mine as an analyst when previously he would not have been seen dead inside Queen Margaret Drive. This was not done to curry favour at Celtic Park, although the other side of the city thought it was. It was just the right battle to take on for the sake of integrity. To ensure that the pendulum of impartiality in the BBC's splendid new building is still pointing towards the centre of the earth and hasn't swung too far one way or the other, out of public interest, perhaps the same skilled people should put together a documentary dealing with the following questions: Why were Rangers singled out for such forensic examination when other parallel schemes existed in other institutions? Why did it take such an inordinate time for the tax tribunal to come to a decision when it was universally known that a club could have been on the verge of extinction? Would an examination of alleged leaks by HMRC serve any useful purpose? All this could not be done, of course, before the next tribunal chaired by Lord Nimmo in January, to which there should be no real objection and about which I have already been told by the same bloggers mentioned before that Rangers will have titles stripped and be forced to make reparations for the money they were awarded as a result, which could put them out of business before the end of this season. So already the verdict is in. Who am I to question that? But, in preparation for an adjudication that might end up in another flash flood of surprise, those who have made up their minds already should have sandbag protection to hand.

26000 signed

25000 signed up

i sent a email to the RFFF got a reply Thank you for your mail, the epetition is moving along quite well and as you know the target is 100k signatures. This will provoke the powers that be, to at least talk about the HMRC's actions and the signatories concerns at the highest level. At that stage we can look and see if further assistance can be offered from the fund. As you will be aware the SPL are still continuing with their action against our club via, supposed dual contracts. This is what we have to keep the fund for, once this group individuals sees common sense and brings this matter to a satisfactory conclusion, then that is when we can look at the best direction of all monies. A meeting will called at Ibrox for supporters groups to debate the direction of every single penny of the fund. We thank you for your input and valued support, wishing you well Stephen. yours faithfully, Jim Riddell.

Suzanneeeeee xx‏@suzannne_x @Amy__Macdonald Rangers fans calling for enquiry into HMRC over tax case leaks RT?? http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/42143 Retweeted by Amy Macdonald

What Is To Be Done? There's a petition online, raised by concerned Rangers fans, which attempts to raise 100,000 signatures in order to force a debate in Parliament on the illegal leaking of information by an employee or employees of HMRC, regarding all that Rangersy tax stuff. This is worth doing, but I should point out that there are severe limitations as regards what will happen; but more of that later. As of this writing (Sunday evening), there are some 20,000+ signatories to the petition. Given that the time limit is a year from original publishing, which was last Friday, there seems little doubt that the required figure will be reached. How best, then, to get there quickly, while blood is still on the boil? First, we need a home game. As far as I can see, Elgin at home next Sunday is the first home match. That may be a little soon to arrange the following, so the match v Stirling Albion on December 8 may be a better bet. If it is at all possible, we require 30 or so volunteers to be around the ground that day, either outside or inside on concourses. I would foresee police problems with the latter, though. Each volunteer would need a loud mouthed 'barker' to drum up trade, so to speak ( I would be well up for that job!), doing the 'roll up, roll up, fight for your club' spiel and aiming for 500 signatories each. The biggest problem with this is that, as a group, we tend to turn up 10 minutes before kick off at best and, if you're anything like me, sprint for the khazi before the game starts...not much time to stand in a queue of 10 fans and sign up to anything. But for publicity purposes alone, and to reach out to the offline fan, such a gesture needs to be made. I can't believe an appeal on RM or FF would fail to drum up 20 fans who have laptops and the required knowledge to help technophobe Bears to sign up. The main tactic, though, has to be to work through the Supporters' Clubs. RSC secretaries need to get on the ball with this one, and make sure every name on their roll has signed the petition. Any fan without an email address can quickly whip up a temporary and disposable account; if secretaries don't know how to do this, a workshop needs to be set up so that they can go back to their RSC and ensure 100% signatures. Even if this is organised for after Christmas there would still be time. It just needs done. We can ask the club for a room in which to hold the workshop, failing that one of the bigger RSC's could offer the use of their meeting hall. This needs organization, but it is not exactly rocket science. That, plus the names of fans who do not belong to any supporters' club, ought to see us to the 100,000 number, Further, we could offer Charles Green, not a man to reject a publicity opportunity, the chance to be signature 100,000 before the cameras. It did occur to me to offer it to David Murray, but this smacks of bad taste.Plenty would say the matter is a Murray one rather than a Green one, but remember - Rangers then, Rangers now. All that, just to find out who has broken the law. Or will it? I don't think so. The e-petition only obliges the business committie to consider holding a debate on the matter, and all it would require is a desultory statement from Strathclyde Police that they were investigating and that committie would immediately say there was nothing they could do in the meantime; the Police may quietly attempt to drop the matter. As we have seen from Leveson, their fingers are not completely clean when it comes to dealing with illegally obtained information. Even if there was a debate, probably the most that would come from it would be that we could see, publicly, who was willing to speak and what their stance regarding us is. But it's still worth it, because it will get Rangers fans used to political organizing and agitation. I'm all for dignified silence, but it needs to be backed up with a known power; in our case, weight of numbers. Let diddy commentators and clubs tease and mock us; in the end, I doubt many of us care what Dundee United or Kilmarnock think of us. I'm not asking for special treatment, or that we should never be mocked or jeered at. I am asking that we are allowed to play football without attempts being made on our life. Coming after the incidents involving Neil Lennon parcel bombs some years ago, there's a certain irony here. Now we've seen what it's like, I hope no Rangers fan will now ever think of the people who sent them as anything other than horrible, sick people...it shouldn't have taken this for that to be clear, obviously, but for some it probably does. We do, though, need to let media bodies and, especially, Pacific Quay know that, go too far, and the power of the largest support in the country will be mobilised against them. This whole thing went far beyond rivalry or mockery into an attempt to deprive me of watching Rangers on the grounds that, since I am a Bear, ergo propter hoc I am a rabid bigot with sectarian impulses, barely able to contain the urge to attack any Catholics I may happen to pass. Apparently the ability to recognise peoples' religions as we pass them comes when you put a Blue scarf around your neck. If only the scarf came with other superpowers, like recognising lunatic owners when they march down Edmiston Drive, or forcing Super Ally to make that crucial tactical switch apparently only you can see... To sum up: online registration points (beside programme sellers?) outside Ibrox on match days; workshops for RSC secretaries to ensure all RSC members are signed up; exploit publicity opportunities & especially Charles' fondness for them; heighten awareness of the political power a Club with, at a guess, 1,000,000 followers hold. This is a chance, a real chance. I hope we don't blow it. Posted by Andy Steel http://andypendek.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/what-is-to-be-done.html

24000 signed

lifted of FF My MP (Andrew Murrison - South Wiltshire) has asked me if I want him to write to the treasury about the need for an investigation into HMRC (and its leaks), I have replied 'Yes Please'.

TV presenter Stephen Fry Tweets support for Rangers tax case probe26 Nov 2012 00:01 THE actor and QI presenter surprised his Twitter followers by backing a petition demanding a Government probe into the taxman’s investigation that led to the collapse of Rangers. [url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/tv-presenter-stephen-fry-tweets-1457451#][/url] Stephen Fry STEPHEN FRY has joined thousands of fans in backing calls for a probe into HMRC’s handling of the investigation into Rangers. The actor and QI presenter is well known as a Norwich City supporter. But he surprised his five million Twitter followers by publicising a petition demanding a Government probe into the taxman’s investigation that led to the collapse of Rangers. Campaigners also want to know why confidential information about the case was leaked. Last week, the club’s former owners won their appeal against a £80million tax bill over their use of employee benefit trusts. Fry urged his followers to sign the online petition, saying: “You mean Rangers? Coke without Pepsi, Norwich without Ipswich, Celtic without Rangers – life would be diminished. Or am I wrong?” It has received more than 22,000 signatures in three days. The tweet provoked a furious response, including one which said: “You are totally wrong, Stephen. Scottish football is more open now. You need to realise the facts first, mate.” The e-petition was launched by fans’ groups and backed by Ayrshire Central Labour MP Brian Donohoe, chairman of the Westminster Rangers Supporters’ Club. Donohoe said: “If we hit 100,000, we’ll get a minister to the despatch box.” The MP also hit out after the Ibrox side’s match at Elgin City yesterday was postponed because too many tickets had been sold. He called for prosecutions if a police probe uncovers any deliberate wrongdoing. Donohoe said: “If this was a case of profit before safety, then a criminal act has been committed.” http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/tv-presenter-stephen-fry-tweets-1457451

moved upto 16th place in epetition list

http://rangersfansfightingfund.com/ sent email this is a cause worth spending some money on