Maya Forstater

I think the key is for all those commenting to be clear on their own position, and (if relevant) funding. Then those reviewing the comments can take that into account. But also TIIN process could be improved - numbers often opaque, and rarely reviewed with hindsight.

Most responsible NGOs do. Do you also agree thought that lawyers that are active in policy debates should disclose their clients? I see little difference (other than the fact that lawyers charge more than lobbyists)

If they’re acting for clients, absolutely. If they’re not, then of course not.

what if they're acting in the interests of their current, past and prospective clients generally, rather than a specific client(s)? this happens all the time.

It really does. Can’t really comment on the tax world but have seen it a lot when lawyers talk about NDAs. Lots of lawyers feel they can’t openly because they’ll upset wealthy clients.

The danger is that lawyers in this situation, again I’m not speaking of tax as I’ve not had enough experience, present their professional knowledge as technical and neutral, when through deliberate lobbying and inhibition of contrary views they are advancing a particular interest

I think there's a lot to this, except that it implies the strategic construction of knowledge and the claimed neutrality. In my interactions with tax lawyers I think they genuinely believe they are right about what the good policy is, because they understand the subject matter.