Dear Sir,

The letter by the Premier, Michael Dunkley, to the leader of the British Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, published by you on April 28, is succinct and to the point. The Premier provided impartial information about the commercial value to the UK of Bermuda’s international business activities, and emphasised that there is nothing illegal or immoral about that business.

Indeed, any business or individual consistently acts in a way that serves his best financial interests.

This has been given judicial approval on many occasions, the best example I can find being that of Judge Learned Hand (1872-1961), who stated:

“Anyone may arrange his affairs so that his taxes shall be as low as possible; he is not bound to choose that pattern which best pays the treasury.

“There is not even a patriotic duty to increase one’s taxes.

Over and over again, the courts have said that there is nothing sinister in so arranging affairs as to keep taxes as low as possible.

Everyone does it, rich and poor alike, and all do right, for no one owes any public duty to pay more than the law demands.”

To give a mundane example, every airport I have ever visited has a duty- free store in which travellers may purchase goods that are not taxed.

Many, if not most, passengers have taken advantage of this benefit, which is perfectly legal — I do it all the time.

I would be surprised if Mr Corbyn had never done so himself.

Indeed, it was reported in the British press that Mr Corbyn failed to file his UK tax returns on time, and when this was corrected, on two occasions he “mistakenly” understated his income. Those of us who live in Bermuda are fortunate not to live under a regime of income tax.

That others who live in heavily taxed regimes seek to “arrange their affairs so that taxes shall be as low as possible” is not a reason for them to be criticised, but would lead sensible people to conclude that they are simply obeying laws drafted by people such as Mr Corbyn, and following the advice of a respected judge. Thank you, Mr Dunkley, for pointing out the obvious to Mr Corbyn.

ROBERT STEWART