Freedom of Information and MP’s Attempting To Exempt Themselves
I have sent the following letter to my MP, through the always useful www.writetothem.com website.
Dear Mr Lazarowicz,
Regarding The Upcoming Vote To Amend the Freedom of Information Act and MP’s Expenses
I am writing to you to ask that you consider opposing any motions in Parliament (specifically but not limited to the upcoming vote on Thursday 20 January) which would allow Members of Parliament to conceal their expenses.
I believe that, just as those who have to file detailed returns to HMRC each year, MP’s should also provide the same information with all their expenses claims. Breaking it down to categories and having a limit under which no declaration is required destroys the trust that MPs and constituents must surely have to work effectively.
- MPs should not just be ‘above board’ in their business, but seen to be above board in their business. Hiding claims in paperwork is not above board.
- The money spent on these claims is public money, coming from the taxpayers, and I believe they have a right to know it is being used responsibly.
- While it is a cliché, does the phrase “if you have nothing to hide you have nothing to fear” apply here?
I appreciate that there may be a Party Whip on this issue, but this is a matter of parliamentary trust and a covenant with your constituents, and this is surely beyond any party political lines. I would find it almost impossible to vote for an MP who would vote against (or abstain) on the full transparency of MP’s expenses and claims.
Yours sincerely,
Ewan Spence
www.ewanspence.comPlease note that I have published this letter on my website, and will summarise any response from yourself alongside the letter.
January 20, 2009; Politics;
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