THE House of Commons has spent more than £2m on a cover-up after publishing details of MPs’ expenses. Yards of print have been blacked out.
The Daily and Sunday Telegraph have revealed many thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ money spent on items that have brought MPs into disrepute.
Canvassing for the Euro elections found many people disengaged with politics – not wanting to vote because they thought everybody was in it for personal gain.
Although it is recognised that some things, such as the personal addresses of staff, should be protected it is vital that the use of public money is in the public domain. Otherwise, the public will find it hard to trust politicians again.
The distrust of the mainstream parties led to the protest votes in the Euro elections which brought the election of BNP MEPs in the Yorkshire and the Humber and the North-West regions.
It is vital that politicians re-engage with the people they have been elected to serve.
During the Euro campaign I met people on the doorsteps of Stockton South and heard their concerns about politicians’ expenses.
As an individual, I pledge that if I am elected all my expenses will be published in the public domain.
Jacquie Bell, Liberal Democrat Spokeswoman, Stockton South.
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