Cameron On MP's Allowances & Expenses

In an interview on Radio 5 Live David Cameron is reported as saying that MPs who abuse the allowances/expenses system should be banned from the Commons for a period of time. He also agreed with a suggestion that MPs might forfeit 10/20 percent of their salary.

Far better, Mr. Cameron, were MPs to be dismissed and a by-election called - which might just concentrate their minds!

If Jacqui Smith can get by with a bedroom and, presumably, the 'run of the house' then so can the rest of them! Allowances should be set on this basis and if an MP wants a 'home' nearby then the surplus cost comes out of their pocket, not the taxpayers.

It may also be a good idea if, in order to claim the daily allowance, were MPs to actually show they have been in the Chamber and taken part in any debate - or had been sitting on a Committee - thus justifying their need to stay in London overnight.