Menu
11/05/2009
Prime Minister Apologises Over Expenses 'Scandal'
Gordon Brown has issued an apology on behalf of all MPs following the recent revelations of MPs expenses.
Speaking at the nursing conference in Harrowgate, today, the Prime Minister said: "We also, as politicians have a responsibility to show that people who enter our profession are there to serve the public interest and not their own."
Mr Brown added: "I want to apologise on behalf of all politicians of all parties for what has happened.
"We must show we have the highest standard for our profession."
Since Friday, the Daily Telegraph has been publishing details of expenses claims made by MPs, mainly relating to Labour and Conservative MPs
Among the most recent leaks are details of Tories Michael Gove and Michael Lansley's 'flipped' properties - designated them as their second homes in order of claim expenses on new properties.
The newspaper also suggested the Shadow Leader of the House Alan Duncan had claimed £4,000 for his garden. However, the bill was not paid, as it was deemed not "within the spirit of the rules".
It was alleged Cheryl Gillian claimed for dog food on her expenses - money which she said she would repay and that Shadow Universities Secretary David Willetts' claimed more than £100 for workmen to replace 25 light bulbs at his home.
Over the weekend, it revealed that Tourism Minister Barbara Follett had claimed more than £25,000 for security at her home.
Yesterday, Tory Leader David Cameron issued a statement apologising for the claims made by all parties.
He said: "We have to acknowledge just how bad this is. The public are really angry and we have to start by saying, 'look, this system that we had, that we used, that we operated, that we took part in - it was wrong and we're sorry about it'."
Mr Cameron also called for an independent audit of the expenses system to be carried out. Adding that all claims should be published online as soon as they were made.
Speaking to Sky News, the Tory boss said the sooner the system could be changed, the better.
"Collectively, we have to put up our hands and say that we have operated a system which is not right and has to be changed," he said.
"People look at the system and they want change. This is affecting every party, we have to be frank about that."
(JM/BMcC)
Speaking at the nursing conference in Harrowgate, today, the Prime Minister said: "We also, as politicians have a responsibility to show that people who enter our profession are there to serve the public interest and not their own."
Mr Brown added: "I want to apologise on behalf of all politicians of all parties for what has happened.
"We must show we have the highest standard for our profession."
Since Friday, the Daily Telegraph has been publishing details of expenses claims made by MPs, mainly relating to Labour and Conservative MPs
Among the most recent leaks are details of Tories Michael Gove and Michael Lansley's 'flipped' properties - designated them as their second homes in order of claim expenses on new properties.
The newspaper also suggested the Shadow Leader of the House Alan Duncan had claimed £4,000 for his garden. However, the bill was not paid, as it was deemed not "within the spirit of the rules".
It was alleged Cheryl Gillian claimed for dog food on her expenses - money which she said she would repay and that Shadow Universities Secretary David Willetts' claimed more than £100 for workmen to replace 25 light bulbs at his home.
Over the weekend, it revealed that Tourism Minister Barbara Follett had claimed more than £25,000 for security at her home.
Yesterday, Tory Leader David Cameron issued a statement apologising for the claims made by all parties.
He said: "We have to acknowledge just how bad this is. The public are really angry and we have to start by saying, 'look, this system that we had, that we used, that we operated, that we took part in - it was wrong and we're sorry about it'."
Mr Cameron also called for an independent audit of the expenses system to be carried out. Adding that all claims should be published online as soon as they were made.
Speaking to Sky News, the Tory boss said the sooner the system could be changed, the better.
"Collectively, we have to put up our hands and say that we have operated a system which is not right and has to be changed," he said.
"People look at the system and they want change. This is affecting every party, we have to be frank about that."
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 February 2011
MPs' Expenses Details Published Online
MP's expenses claims, totalling millions of pounds have now been published online. The report by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) also features the requests that were turned down. Those MPs who had requests for reimbursement refused include Bob Russell, who had £346.
MPs' Expenses Details Published Online
MP's expenses claims, totalling millions of pounds have now been published online. The report by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) also features the requests that were turned down. Those MPs who had requests for reimbursement refused include Bob Russell, who had £346.
18 May 2009
Speaker "Profoundly Sorry"
Commons Speak Michael Martin has remained resolute in his address to MPs today despite continued calls for his resignation. In a speech, marred by unprecedented challenges from the benches, Mr Martin put forward a number of proposals for the reformation of MPs expenses.
Speaker "Profoundly Sorry"
Commons Speak Michael Martin has remained resolute in his address to MPs today despite continued calls for his resignation. In a speech, marred by unprecedented challenges from the benches, Mr Martin put forward a number of proposals for the reformation of MPs expenses.
26 October 2007
'Little Respect' For Expenses Account MPs
A pressure group that claims to speak for taxpayers has accused MPs of being too greedy. The comments come on foot of revelations about the level of expenses claimed by Westminster MPs.
'Little Respect' For Expenses Account MPs
A pressure group that claims to speak for taxpayers has accused MPs of being too greedy. The comments come on foot of revelations about the level of expenses claimed by Westminster MPs.
31 March 2009
MPs' Expenses Investigation To Be Brought Forward
An investigation into MPs expenses is to be speeded up, it has been announced. Chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, Sir Christopher Kelly, said the review would begin "by the end of the year".
MPs' Expenses Investigation To Be Brought Forward
An investigation into MPs expenses is to be speeded up, it has been announced. Chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, Sir Christopher Kelly, said the review would begin "by the end of the year".
04 November 2009
End Of MPs' Mortgage Claims Looms
The PM Gordon Brown has given his full backing to the proposed reform of MPs' expenses, outlined by Sir Christopher Kelly today. Members of Parliament will no longer be allowed to claimed mortgage costs or employ family members, under the recommendations.
End Of MPs' Mortgage Claims Looms
The PM Gordon Brown has given his full backing to the proposed reform of MPs' expenses, outlined by Sir Christopher Kelly today. Members of Parliament will no longer be allowed to claimed mortgage costs or employ family members, under the recommendations.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
