MPs: looking after themselves.

DIVA · 25-09-2007, 23:03

Did anyone see the tv programme the other night (dispatches - i think), all about MPs, looking after themselves and the scandalous amount they claim in expenses (without receipts!) each year?

It discussed the fact that MPs (naturally) wanted things kept quiet and laws to protect them from having to divulge what their expenses run at and what they are claiming for. Do we let our MPs off far too lightly in this country? They claim it would be an invasion of privacy/freedom. In the current climate when our freedoms are being eroded in the name of 'anti-terrorist measures' it seems it's one rule for us...

Dozy · 25-09-2007, 23:06

It always has been - irrespective of what political party is in power.

They quite happily vote themselves enormous pay rises then say nurses, etc, can only have a piddling couple of percent!

Definitely a case of "Do as I say, not as I do".

Bonny · 25-09-2007, 23:28

I don't think anyone would object to 'reasonable expenses' being paid but some MP's idea of 'reasonable' is far in excess of what many people would think.

It's certainly a very lucrative business, being an MP is a decent paid job but add to it all the extras then it becomes much more attractive. They have lots of little 'perks' that are unheard of in other jobs. Most of them put the hours in, no doubting that, and it certainly takes over much of their lives - but plenty of other people have to put the hours in too, because they're on such a low wage not because they enjoy it.

AtticusFinch · 26-09-2007, 09:44

Even as a political cynic I was shocked by this program. There has to be far more accountability in politics. Each MP should have all of their expenses freely available on a website for people to view. This should include a complete breakdown, i.e. "Tues 20th May, return train fare to London", not just a monthly or even weekly breakdown.

Too many MPs forget that they work for us. I also had to laugh at Jack Straw and other Labour MPs trying to muzzle their own Freedom of Information Act. I never understood why the government bought in this act because it was obvious they were never going to submit to it. Did they think we'd be fooled by it?

DIVA · 26-09-2007, 23:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by AtticusFinch

Even as a political cynic I was shocked by this program. There has to be far more accountability in politics. Each MP should have all of their expenses freely available on a website for people to view. This should include a complete breakdown, i.e. "Tues 20th May, return train fare to London", not just a monthly or even weekly breakdown.

Too many MPs forget that they work for us. I also had to laugh at Jack Straw and other Labour MPs trying to muzzle their own Freedom of Information Act. I never understood why the government bought in this act because it was obvious they were never going to submit to it. Did they think we'd be fooled by it?

I was incensed, I was ready to take to the streets and demand a shake up of the whole system. What a bloody liberty, when if you work in any of the public services you can't even make a phone call home, never mind about claim for a taxi from Westminster to heaven knows where and back. I really am sick to the teeth of this 'one rule for them...' with salary increases, pensions, and now expenses!

billy1bob2uk · 27-09-2007, 00:01

dident see it but what did you all expet it will alway be like that even if we all run to london to complan the next PM would just have a secrut meting to get it back

democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried.
Winston Churchill

lostsoul · 27-09-2007, 00:12

My grandfather told me many years ago that all politicians feather their own nests first.

Politicians are like bananas to start with they are green and straight after a while they become yellow and bent!

pk014b7161 · 27-09-2007, 07:14

they know that they can do what ever they want with no fear of the british public doing anything about it

depoix · 27-09-2007, 07:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by pk014b7161

they know that they can do what ever they want with no fear of the british public doing anything about it

your right and this makes interesting reading

http://www.parliament.uk/faq/pay_faq_page.cfm

Dozey · 27-09-2007, 07:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by DIVA

Did anyone see the tv programme the other night (dispatches - i think), all about MPs, looking after themselves and the scandalous amount they claim in expenses (without receipts!) each year?

It discussed the fact that MPs (naturally) wanted things kept quiet and laws to protect them from having to divulge what their expenses run at and what they are claiming for. Do we let our MPs off far too lightly in this country? They claim it would be an invasion of privacy/freedom. In the current climate when our freedoms are being eroded in the name of 'anti-terrorist measures' it seems it's one rule for us...

No change there then.

pk014b7161 · 27-09-2007, 07:26

i wish the people of this country would for once rise up & kick these money grabbing self first self last set of ******s into touch ,the mp,s have that many perks they dont need fat wages aswell ,talk about im allright jack.

billy1bob2uk · 27-09-2007, 22:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by lostsoul

My grandfather told me many years ago that all politicians feather their own nests first.

Politicians are like bananas to start with they are green and straight after a while they become yellow and bent!

i like you granddad

DIVA · 28-09-2007, 14:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by pk014b7161

i wish the people of this country would for once rise up & kick these money grabbing self first self last set of ******s into touch ,the mp,s have that many perks they dont need fat wages aswell ,talk about im allright jack.

.........So do I.