Thursday 1 April 2010

Old Hat I Know, But.........

Probably politician's expenses is a boring story now in view of the excess both in coverage and troughing but this latest example is one that really makes my blood boil.

The peer in question, Clarke of Hampstead (I refuse to use his title as a matter of principle) has admitted fraud involving the misuse of public money and the police won't prosecute? Even when the man admits his crime? According to the print edition of the Daily Telegraph (no link - apols) he has only to repay £9,190 from £100,154 claimed since 2001. And the Lords sub-committee can only say "His repayment of £9,190 seems to reimburse the House appropriately for the claims"?

WTF is going on here? This is bloody fraud - pure and simple! The punishment for fraud is a fine and/or imprisonment. Not only should Clarke be forced to repay every penny but he should also be given a nice hefty fine and some time to reflect on the error of his ways. Clarke should be accompanied on his way to prison by every other bastard MP and peer who has knowingly defrauded the taxpayer, whether this was overclaiming, claiming for new kitchens, chairs etc etc.

In what can only be described as a magnanimous gesture on my part, I will resolve the problem of our rotten politicians and peers for free, the only expenses being claimed is the hire of an AK47, the bullets and a brick wall!

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