MP Expenses - I feel really bad now..

[Digit]

Or why doesnt the government buy a block of flats and allocate one to each MP while they are in office?

Once again it's hang over from the past. Until Lloyd George arranged for MPs to be paid a salary only those who had the necessary means, or were supported by a trade union or similar group, could afford to be MPs.
Before the EU took over governance of this country MP's hours were somewhat longer, and their holidays somewhat shorter, and there was no way MPs from outside of London could get home. Tory MPs often booked into their club for the night and the others had to make do by purchase, rent or whatever arrangements they could make with their union.
The present situation started with Harold Wilson. The Government had just devalued the pound and were on their way to going broke and the MPs wanted a pay rise.
HW didn't dare due to public perception so introduced expenses/allowances.
Here endeth the first lesson!

Roy.

 

[big soft moose]

Sorry if Im missing something, but why do they need a second home in London. I realise they are there for 2/3days a week there, but why cant they stay in a Travelodge or something.

Or why doesnt the government buy a block of flats and allocate one to each MP while they are in office?

come to that they could all stay at chequers - especially now brown isnt using it - its an easy train ride from wendover to london , takes about 25 minuites

chequers is allready maintained at taxpayers expense so it makes more sense to use it for something.

 

[Digit]

I'll take it off their hands if can't afford the upkeep BSM. Know the area well, nice spot.

Roy.

 

[billw]

Sorry if Im missing something, but why do they need a second home in London. I realise they are there for 2/3days a week there, but why cant they stay in a Travelodge or something.

Or why doesnt the government buy a block of flats and allocate one to each MP while they are in office?

We were discussing the idea of just buying a huge block of flats the other day, then someone pointed out that it would be a huge security risk if someone bombed the place.

So we all decided the flats was a good idea.

 

[CNC Paul]

I just had a great idea :idea:

They are showing BEN HUR Live at the O2 Arena in September, I though that they could include the Lions and the Gladiators.......guess who could be the gladiators 8)

 

[BigShot]

Nice Cromwell quote...
...I've not got a single nice feeling about the guy though. I can't even begin to explain why without getting so extremely political and controversial that I'd probably be banned though, so I'll just say "Ireland" and leave it at that.


As for this current shower...
I'd love to see the Inland Revenue and Crown Prosecution Service stick it to any number of them. If any Joe Commoner had done anything even as close to illegal as this lot have done we'd have the book thrown at us. Forget the desperate scrabble to "pay it back" - we'd be prosecuted, have it taken back AND be punished.

...I'm almost glad this has happened. If nothing else has politicised the masses, this has. People who usually balk at any discussion of politics have been ranting about this expenses scandal (not that it's new or surprising of course).
Maybe now we'll get the revolution I so desperately long for.

Ok probably not.

I can dream though.

My political philosophy?
"Listen, I'm not hurting anybody so just p*** off and leave me ALONE!"
Simple eh?