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Debate of the month: is the media coverage of MPs expenses fair?

28 May 2009

We have all been shocked by the revelations in the media about MPs expenses. But is the media coverage of the issues fair?

So far it has been revealed that we are paying for MPs duck islands and moats. No doubt more will be revealed.

  • Are we in danger of turning an important issue into a witch hunt?
  • Is this just an opportunity for politicians and the media to engage in point scoring?
  • Does the media coverage suggest that all MPs are as bad as each other?
  • Or do they all deserve a shake up?

What is your view on this? Have your say, and debate the issue here on PCS comment, and a selection of the comments will be published in View, the monthly magazine for PCS members.

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  1. MPs' Expenses

    10 June 2009

    That's how it should be written, 'MPs' expenses'.

    DAN DONNELLY
    Expenses Criteria

    10 June 2009

    What happened to the maxim 'necessarily & reasonably incurred'? We've got online expense claims at the UK Border Agency, so why not MPs? Isn't this just what Neil Kinnock addressed (with dubious success) within the EU bureacracy? We'd be on a suspension / disciplinary!

    DAN DONNELLY
    MPs Expenses

    9 June 2009

    In common with Lin Black, perhaps my old eyes are failing, but I can't see this "bias towards the Labour Party" that Steve Jervis claims exists. In fact, Labour MPs are being targetted and criticised even more than the Conservatives - if that were possible - precisely because they are the party in power. As for the Torygraph, well Steve might think it's an excellent paper and that's his perogative, but they didn't campaign to bring the scandal to the attention of the public. The Government and the Speaker wanted to curtail the Freedom of Information Act to remove any access to MP's expenses. The Liberal Democrats refused to agree to this restriction, the Conservatives jumped on board very late in the day and the Government capitulated. It was then agreed that the expenses would be made public, but with all addresses removed "for security reasons". Whoever in the Fees Office made the copy of the claim forms and then offered it to the highest bidder, it was this that the Torygraph purchased and released in full, addresses and all. But it didn't defy anyone, least of all the Government and the Speaker.

    Dan Tanzey
    MP's Expenses

    8 June 2009

    I agree with you Steve, and I think that everyone now realises that the expenses culture is endemic amongst many MP's (not all them of course) and it cuts across party boundaries. It is almost a way of life and is one of the perks of belonging to the 'club'. No wonder candidates look so pleased when they get elected! Going off on a tangent I know but I have been told that MEP's can claim up to £350,000 a year without having to produce a single receipt. I take that figure with more than a pinch of salt but I know that the job pays extremely well, so don't get me started on that!

    Lin Black
    MPs Expenses

    8 June 2009

    I note the overall bias towards the Labour Party! A few points in no particular order. Taxpayers money IS just that, we the taxpayers entrust our MPs top spend it wisely and prudently on our behalf, Nu-Labour has failed our collective trust. Why the electorate seem to blame the Govt MPs more than the oppostition is twofold, they are currently responsible for making legislation and secondly, dear old Gordo promised to clean up politics and has singularly failed to do so. It just goes to show that 'nice' caring sharing Labourites are just as murky, if not more, as their Conservative opponents. I recommend the Telegraph to Robert Jack it's an excellent newspaper! Messrs Straw & Martin did their best to stifle the truth, but the paper persisted and should be lauded for bringing the whole sordid mess to the attention of the masses.

    steve jervis
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