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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

    8 June 2009

    MPs are a disgrace. They are not really sorry they are only sorry that it came out. How many of them voted to stop the freedom of information act applying to the expenses? All MP's knew the system was corrupt. I also hear said that we should pay MP's a decent wage. Well they are on £64000 plus they get a penson contribution worth £50,000 and lastly tey can employ their family member at a cost of £40,000. Not to be sniffed at when you combune it with all the perks they are entitled to when the leave the house of commons. It is also noted how the Labour vote collapsed in the recent elections while the Conservatives stll voted for their party. What does that say about supporters of both parties? Lastly I am just as angry at the small claims they made than the moats and duck houses. On the Conservative website they have the expenses of the shadow cabinet. On there it states that a number of them have been claiming for newspapers (Caroline Spelman for one). Why is taxpayers money being used to buy their newspapers. I would like at the next election if everyone voted against the sitting MP.

    Jim Caithness
    MPs

    4 June 2009

    Perhaps my old eyesight is not what it was, but I can't find the phrase "taxpayers money" anywhere. Most people consider the taxes that they pay to to the government do not "belong" to the government, but rather they are funds that are to be used wisely, sensibly, and correctly by the government. Still, when has that ever happened. As a great many of the working class are now in severe difficulties due to the failure of the capitalist system then I would suggest that they are quite justified in feeling disappointed, to put it mildly, at the money they have provided being wasted on a cross section of MPs who are trying to make hay while the sun shines. Lin Black - Militant

    Lin Black
    MP's

    4 June 2009

    I really hate the phrase 'taxpayers money'. It doesnt belong to the taxpayer anymore once it's been paid. it now belongs to the revenue. Issues of it being wasted are a separate matter. We can't tar and feather all MP's the same way. The MP in Bournemouth East held a public meeting to go through his expenses. this showed they were okay. and photos of the meeting showed a few empty seats. I do find it strange that People who don't trust politicans are prepared to trust newspapers on this issue. the latter are far worse at not telling the truth

    paul tapner
    MPs Expenses

    29 May 2009

    I'm not so sure it is a witch hunt. That phrase refers to unfounded allegations, literally a hunt for witches. Here, the Telegraph has performed a public service, revealing that numerous MPs, of every party and political stance, have claimed for goods and services using public - ie our - money. Most if not all have then tried to justify or excuse their actions by saying it was "within the rules", or " agreed with the fees office", as if that somehow makes claiming for two homes, £400 per month for food and gardeners OK. The most bizarre claims are those made for mortgages that don't exist. Some MPs - and even some of their apologists - have said that they are not very well paid and deserve a substantial pay rise. Leaving aside the fact that this is a moot point, anyone who considers £60K+ as "not very well paid" needs a reality check. For most of us it is wealth beyond the dreams of avarice. Second, they all volunteered; none of them were frog-marched into the hustings, arms firmly up their backs and forced to accept the nomination as a candidate. Third, if it is so onerous, resign. Problem solved. Lastly, they work for us. We are their employers. As such, we are not only entitled, we are required to question their actions and their motives. If any MP, even one who didn't make questionable claims, knew that the system was open to abuse, was being abused and did nothing to bring this abuse into the light of day and public examination, they deserve to be shaken up. This is my parliament. This is my government. I have a right to question it and if it is found wanting, I want to replace it. That time has come. On a final note, there is a growing cry that "revelation fatigue" is setting in. I don't know about anyone else, but I'm just getting started!

    Dan Tanzey
    MP's

    29 May 2009

    One of the biggest outrages about the whole sorry mess is that we are now looking to the Telegraph as our moral compass, what a sad state of affairs. This rag has no place taking the lofty position it appears to be grasping. Who owns this so called newspaper, how much tax do they pay in the UK, these are the questions that should be on the lips of the British public. Anyone who attended annual conference this year will be aware of the amount of time spent on the whole expenses debacle. What we have to do now is make those who are guilty pay the price. I watched question time last night and was even more horrified to find out how much the MEP’s get to claim (average is £200K) this chinless wonder who leads UKIP took great delight in telling the audience that he claims that amount and more, and spends as little time as possible in the European Parliament. We the voters have to send a clear message to the main parties that they have to clean house. We also have to get out and vote to stop the far right from getting in. Imagine if the BNP got 2 or 3 MEP’s that would be over £600K they would have to spread trash around Europe and have the opportunity to link up with other far right extremists. (Make Your Vote Count) Robert Jack (MoD)

    Robert Jack
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