Expensive Claims

Appalled as we all are about the latest scandal to hit the UK Government regarding expenses claims, the media has followed close on its tradition of blowing the story out of proportion.

Perhaps Barbara Follett has claimed more than £25,000 for security patrols outside her London home, however, what the media do not headline is the fact that this claim was over the course of four years.

This does not make it any more acceptable, and I do not applaud the actions of Members of Parliament for their excessive claims, indeed, the same minister is accused of claiming £528.75 for the repair of a Chinese needlepoint rug. The amount claimed was seen to be excessive and the payment she received was a little more than half the amount.

In this day and age, where those who pay the salaries, and face it, the tax payer does pay the salary of each and every member of the House of Commons, how arrogant must these people be to lavishly spend our tax, while increasing the amounts we are required to pay, not only through income but in hidden taxes such as motor tax; petrol etc? How arrogant must they be to announce billions of pounds of borrowing they expect to be necessary to keep the country afloat in the near future while continuing to waste money lining their own pockets or lavishly trailing the entire cabinet around the country in a last ditched effort to win the vote of waning constituents?

While I agree it is the role of the media to alert the country to, what in the private sector would be deemed fraudulent claims, I would like to see a more honest approach to their articles, such scandals need no dressing up, they already come with bells and baubles.

Our Government aught to be ashamed, perhaps it is time for a change, but who do we change to? Have we not yet learned that all, no exceptions, parties are prepared to lie through their back teeth to be elected and that once they reach No. 10, we, the voting public, are forgotten for the next four years?