doctorwho, you may not realise (not being in the UK) but the group behind the protest are involved in multiple/wide action on this subject. They're not suddenly singling out U2 as the great devil, but target multiple people/companies/examples to highlight an overall point. And it is the
legal loopholes that they want closed. They're not claiming any of it is illegal. And it's extra hot because - again, not in the UK, you may not realise - it's tied to the massive cuts the government is making across all areas of their budget, having a real effect on various services. They - and to be fair, this issue has
HUGE and very wide support here - are pissed because these cuts seem to, in the end, target the less fortunate exclusively, while those more fortunate are escaping 'their share' of any pain, in a variety of ways.
So there's huge anger at the bankers who caused this crisis and are seemingly getting away with it unpunished in any way, and these huge cuts taking place are seemingly mostly 'against' those who pay the most taxes (as a real % against ability) while those who should or can contribute the most are in all too many cases actually skirting it offshore.
I guess, in the most simplistic terms, this kind of sums up their point:
I think the anger and frustration is totally legitimate. I think the point they're making is totally understandable. I think they get their targets right sometimes (Philip Green as a savings consultant to the government is ridiculous) but I do agree that the detail in their argument isn't very strong, and that U2 are a poor/bad target, for a variety of reasons. As for whether the global tax game has any real, true affect on aid and development, I have no idea.
And you know what? The actual protest at Glastonbury doesn't matter. U2 themselves don't really matter. They're just trying to make a point and stir public awareness and debate. And just announcing the protest has done that. It's everywhere in the media here, so... the job is done. I'd say there's been more on it this week than there will be after the actual protest (unless they really create a scene or the band react poorly.)
And at least this is a peaceful and non-disruptive protest. These guys generally go more for the riot/smash things/burn things variety.