BY far the easiest job in politics is to be leader of the Opposition.
Oppositions do not win elections; rather, governments lose them.
After the present MPs’ expenses scandal has died down political affiliations will revert to normal.
From what I can see, both Labour and Tory MPs are equally guilty of abusing the system. In the short term, Ukip and even the BNP will benefit and probably gain some seats in the European Parliament when the results are announced on Sunday. What is really needed is a fundamental change in our electoral system, but it will not happen.
The two main parties each want their time in power – end of story.
To get out of Europe politically it would need a vote in Parliament and that simply will not happen.
Why not a referendum on membership of the EU? Again, it will not happen as both Labour and the Tories would not agree.
In a true democracy the will of the people should prevail – but not in our seriously flawed democracy.
Hugh Pender, Darlington.
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