Wednesday, 1 April 2009

MP's 'Fraudulent Claims?

As Simon Heffer remarks in his comment piece today there are MPs who are scrupulous on the question of their expenses, who appreciate that what they could do 'within the rules' is wrong and therefore do not.

It is those MPs who 'exploit' the rules who bring down on themselves public condemnation and thus cheapen their own principles (if they have any) and the standing of Parliament.

Where you have examples such as those highlighted in the Telegraph today - Jacqui Lait (Conservative) claiming £6,836 which is sufficient for 697 round trips to her constituency, or more than 5 round trips for every day Parliament sat; Dawn Butler (Labour) claiming for a second home just 9 miles from Westminster, whilst her own home is just 8 miles away; Sir Michael Spencer (Conservative) claiming £21,587 for information to his constituents - is it any wonder there is outrage?

Claims such as these, whether or not 'within the rules' are, in my opinion, fraudulent and should be dealt with as such.

And they still insist on being addressed as 'Honourable'? 

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