No need to alter MP perks.
Posted by: u5227470736789439 on 11 May 2009
It seems that a minority of MPs have managed modest or very modest claims against costs, which are entirely unobjectionable.
I would argue that MPs have given themselves enough rope to hang themselves with the current self-enacted system.
This is a very good thing as it has allowed some of them to make proper fools of themselves, and thus demonstrate their true colours in a way their dissembling mouths do not adequately seem to do.
This is a very useful information and should be used in helping memebrs of the electorate form a judgement about whom they choose to vote for at the next election.
What is splendid is that the Daily Telegraph has had the bravery to publish these details, and thus once again demonstrating that the real guardians of democracy in the UK are not the elected Memebers of Parliament, but the free press.
What we need is not a change in the rules, but to leave this self hanging rope there so that the free press can trap greedy pigs with their snouts in the trough!
Discuss, ... if you like!
ATB from George
PS: I am inclined to think that a greater turn out at the election would be likely if there were one more line than traditionally on Ballot Papers. One which read
"None of the above."
If the "None of the aboves" formed the largest single block of votes than all the candidates selected by their sponsering parties would be rejected and a new election of a different set of candidates should be sprung following deselection of the existing crew and selection of a new collection more worth voting for.
Thus there would be no reason why people like Gordon Brown should ever darken the gangway of the House Of Commons again, which I would consider to be a very good thing ...
I would argue that MPs have given themselves enough rope to hang themselves with the current self-enacted system.
This is a very good thing as it has allowed some of them to make proper fools of themselves, and thus demonstrate their true colours in a way their dissembling mouths do not adequately seem to do.
This is a very useful information and should be used in helping memebrs of the electorate form a judgement about whom they choose to vote for at the next election.
What is splendid is that the Daily Telegraph has had the bravery to publish these details, and thus once again demonstrating that the real guardians of democracy in the UK are not the elected Memebers of Parliament, but the free press.
What we need is not a change in the rules, but to leave this self hanging rope there so that the free press can trap greedy pigs with their snouts in the trough!
Discuss, ... if you like!
ATB from George
PS: I am inclined to think that a greater turn out at the election would be likely if there were one more line than traditionally on Ballot Papers. One which read
"None of the above."
If the "None of the aboves" formed the largest single block of votes than all the candidates selected by their sponsering parties would be rejected and a new election of a different set of candidates should be sprung following deselection of the existing crew and selection of a new collection more worth voting for.
Thus there would be no reason why people like Gordon Brown should ever darken the gangway of the House Of Commons again, which I would consider to be a very good thing ...
quote:Originally posted by Don Atkinson:quote:What is your interest in the status quo Don?
I don't have any interest in maintaining a status quo. But I am appalled at the lynch-mob ...
Cheers
Don
Dreadful rubbish IMHO, I, too, prefer the Status Quo.
ATB Rotf
quote:But I am appalled at the lynch-mob frenzie that is taking place.
I haven't seen or heard anything of this Don (unless you over-egging the words of angry tax payers?),
but what goes around comes around.
I am not aware of any MPs being pond-ducked or burnt at the stake,
unless you are referring to words Derek.
If MPs can't satisfactorily manage their expenses how are they going to succeed in managing the economy?
I agree the situation is an unwelcome distraction,
but despite the political spin from Westminster to the contrary it's not the fault of the public or journalists.
I believe the main suspects are the PM, ministers, MPs & the HoC speaker.
The government recently spent £500,000 on a study of punctuality and overcrowding on trains.
It concluded that commuters want trains to run on time.
unless you are referring to words Derek.
If MPs can't satisfactorily manage their expenses how are they going to succeed in managing the economy?
I agree the situation is an unwelcome distraction,
but despite the political spin from Westminster to the contrary it's not the fault of the public or journalists.
I believe the main suspects are the PM, ministers, MPs & the HoC speaker.
The government recently spent £500,000 on a study of punctuality and overcrowding on trains.
It concluded that commuters want trains to run on time.
I also watched NN & only the words were used Don.
I understand no footage of lynch-mobs hunting down corrupt MPs was broadcast because it doesn't exist.
However I'm sure many will feel sorry for MPs who have to listen to constituents offering fair feedback.
I understand no footage of lynch-mobs hunting down corrupt MPs was broadcast because it doesn't exist.
However I'm sure many will feel sorry for MPs who have to listen to constituents offering fair feedback.
quote:Nope. I was agreeing with your statement that there were no lynch mobs because there were no corrupt MPs.
You might dislike the current expenses system (I dislike it) and the way in which MPs were told they could use it (I dislike this also) but I also consider that MPs who stand accused of crime should be properly investigated and if appropriate, charged.
You now appear to be arguing with yourself, as well as being doubly confused.
I made no such statement as there are corrupt MPs, but no lynch-mobs hunting them (so far).
Even Brown & Cameron have described some of their MPs as corrupt & stated that they should be investigated & prosecuted were appropriotte.
Interesting Westminster style of spin Don.
quote:The little creeps in Bromsgrove are nothing but a pathetic, self-interested pressure group. But you know that anyway.
How so Don? Do you live in Bromsgrove?
quote:Surely what you really want, like I do, is neither of these stupid options,
but honest, decent MPs abiding by sensible, open rules, doing a good job.
Yes, but I won't be holding my breath.
The rules for MP expenses were always sensible & open, but many MPs believed themselves above those rules.
As it's stating the bleedin' obvious time don't place your hand under a lawnmower until the blade has stopped moving.
quote:Do the cash-for-moats deniers agree that whilst some MPs may not have broken the letter of the law, they have certainly broken the spirit of the law?
Hence the public's anger.
I don't think you will find too many "cash-for-moat deniers" here, but let them speak out. Those who have broken the law should be prosecuted and punished in the normal way.
As for the "spirit" of the law, it cuts both ways. Of course, we can all understand our anger when that spirit is broken. But in this case, the spirit isn't very well defined. Indeed, we all know that MPs were told that their allowances were effectively part of the remuneration package and could be claimed regardless of the strict letter of the expenses code. Presumably even some of the lynch-mob can understand that?
If an MP is guilty, prosecute and punish
Change the system
Allow the others to repay any money if it helps them comply with the "spirit" of the law
Hold an election (when we know who's done what) - probably Oct/Nov 09
Enjoy a few years of life with the Green Party in government; the BNP in opposition; and Respect chipping in every now and then to bugger things up........
be careful what you wish for. Me? I'll be voting for my current MP again. If he's had the odd Kit-Kat too many and can't even use aprostophy's properly, I'm not bothered
Cheers
Don
quote:I think my use of the term lynch-mob is quite appropriate.
It says everything about the MP & nothing about the people if the MP can't cope with the words of their constuants.
quote:But in this case, the spirit isn't very well defined. Indeed, we all know that MPs were told that their allowances were effectively part of the remuneration package and could be claimed regardless of the strict letter of the expenses code.
Like a group of adolecents egging each other on throwing stones?
"What are you scared of? We'll never get caught!".
Also the fact that MPs have to sign a statement for each claim submitted to the effect ...
"I confirm that I incurred these costs wholly, exclusively and necessarily to enable me to stay overnight away from my only or main home for the purpose of performing my duties as a Member of Parliament."
... rather shoots a hole in your comments Don.
quote:Interesting that the smaller the mind of the observer, the greater is their claim to have ownership of public opinion.
Said like an MP Derek! A poll on BBC news last night put Labour 3rd behind the Tories & Lib Dem.
quote:Allow the others to repay any money if it helps them comply with the "spirit" of the law
Why should they get special treatment? MPs are not above the law & those guilty of crime(s) should be treated like any other person.
quote:Enjoy a few years of life with the Green Party in government;
the BNP in opposition; and Respect chipping in every now and then to bugger things up........
The current govenment & oposition have done such a good job?
A Labour backbencher has apologised for submitting an expenses claim for a £5 donation he made at a church service commemorating the Battle of Britain.
My current favourite dodgy MP expense claim.