Dizzy takes the MP tapping scandal into a slightly different area, with a question about whether this means MPs think they are above the law:
While, I for one, don't like the idea of MPs swanning around thinking they are god, or untouchable, there is a general issue about the status of our elected officials. Compared with the US, where the position (not necessarily the man) of the POTUS, or even Senator or Congressman, is given a very high level of respect.
That simply does not exist in this country - but I can't help thinking that some elements of it should. and I'm trying to think of examples when that should be the case:
An MP abroad is stopped by the police in France - are they allowed to search him/her? What if it happened in Egypt? would we treat this any differently?
MPs do have privileges we don't - Parliamentary privilege for example, means they can say anything in the chamber without fear of prosecution
and I know someone will point out that if they want our respect they should start behaving in the right way - to them I say only one word..... granted.....
I've always wondered how come the US can have Air Force One, but the UK has no equivalent - when Tony Blair commissioned a plane it was all over the papers as an unnecessary expense.
Heck, just look at the furore over MPs expenses every year - even though the vast majority of it goes on staff and offices, but when you read the newspapers you assume it's all been pocketed.... Even with Derek Conway we see the system regulating itself (in spectacular fashion!)
And for this I blame the fourth estate (and the Taxpayer's Alliance). It is impossible to have a serious discussion about the worth of MPs, the job we want them to and how much we should be willing to spend on them. It's a serious question for our country (personally I favour a modest raise, but vastly increased staffing budgets). But the hordes of baying wolves demand cuts - and for me, it is a working class issue.... why? Because every single expense introduced has been to enable anyone in the UK to stand for, be elected and serve in Parliament - not just the wealthy. And office expenses - so that MPs can respond and represent everyone in their constituency, not just the landowners who can pop down to Westminster and buy lunch.
and if you think an MP isn't doing their job..... gosh, wow, that's what elections are for!
SH
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