MP’s Ripping the Public Off!

[John]

Adding to the other postings about this.

This matter became concerning when led by Martin the Speaker, over 2 million pounds of public money was spent in trying to keep these ‘Expenses’ secret.

Martin has his snout deep in the trough. Hopefully he will be the first Speaker to go.

The Expenses are only known for about the last 4 years. Can you imagine what the unreleased ones are like?

MP’s have had years of notice about all this and yet a great number have convinced themselves that being on the make with public money is the right and proper thing to do.

[Over the hill]

Hi John. You're dead right - they are ALL ripping us off.  Unfortunately, I have a long-term, small personal interest in politics. A cousin who was an MP for decades, then knighted and now a life Peer. Many conversations over years made it obvious they were ALL (with few exceptions) "at it".  However, we will see VERY few prosecutions because the abuse of expenses (and other things, too) are "legal" - insofar as they approved by themselves and therefore legal.  Even if they are not moral.

[John]

They would also claim parliamentary privilege, or bend the rules to claim it.

The Telegraph has done a wonderful service for the British People.

They are being professional and accurate.

Sky News are also leading the way in presenting the truth of the matter.

Of course this has been out of hand for many many years and when
a scandal breaks and every effort has previously made to hide it.

The larger the backlash when it breaks.

[Over the hill]

It would be absolutely wonderful to see MANY of them actually prosecuted. That's a pipe dream, I'm afraid.  The bottom line is they were NOT breaking the law. After all, THEY make the law. Immoral? Certainly! Illegal? Probably not!

[John]

You are on your own if you believe that some are not breaking the law.

Your bottom line has been drawn prematurely.

I will give one example.

You have paid off your mortgage and depending where you are on the flipping game.

To continue claiming mortgage interest (as an expense) on a property that has no mortgage is a crime.

The cover all crime for whatever has taken place is 'misconduct in public office'.

[Over the hill]

As I say, John, FEW will actually BE prosecuted. As I said, the standard reply so far has been that it "isn't against the guidelines".  Sure, the (few) genuine cheaters (claiming for paid off mortgages and similar) will - and should be - put to the sword. The rest will say the rules should be changed and get off with their "crimes". Example that I'm willing to bet on? Andrew Mackay and his wife. Probably amongst the top ten rip-offs but they WON'T be prosecuted. It's even stated that Mackay has lost his job. Wasn't even a REAL front bench job anyway.

Tory past record? Start off with looking at who strongly voted against the introduction of a five bob OA Pension. They haven't changed since then. 

By the way, misconduct in public office seems like a good coverall. Won't work though.

[John]

I would rather have the Conservatives. At least their Leader is able to engage and address the public.

In fact any other party is far more able.

Brown has never or is not willing to do this. Preferring to sit out while real issues affect real people.

He has watched while so much has taken place - is he really a Prime Minister?

The answer is NO.