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The media tell us that the leaders of our political parties fear public outrage over the news that the three MPs and one peer charged under the Theft Act yesterday over their expense claims may attempt to claim parliamentary privilege.
The media are darned, tooting right! Is there to be one law for us ordinary folk and another for the privileged folk in the two Houses?
Various politicians have urged those facing charges not to use parliamentary privilege to try to avoid court proceedings. This elite-club approach won’t do at all in my view. Either a judge or Parliament has to put these gentlemen right and get on with trials that will prove either their guilt or innocence.
The Liberal Democrat shadow leader of the House has made the most sensible proposal. ‘If there is any question about whether parliamentary privilege gives protection against prosecution for fraud, then Parliament should make it very clear by passing a resolution to say that it does not.’
He, of course, is right and Parliament should show some muscle for once and pass such a motion.
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The media tell us that the leaders of our political parties fear public outrage over the news that the three MPs and one peer charged under the Theft Act yesterday over their expense claims may attempt to claim parliamentary privilege.
The media are darned, tooting right! Is there to be one law for us ordinary folk and another for the privileged folk in the two Houses?
Various politicians have urged those facing charges not to use parliamentary privilege to try to avoid court proceedings. This elite-club approach won’t do at all in my view. Either a judge or Parliament has to put these gentlemen right and get on with trials that will prove either their guilt or innocence.
The Liberal Democrat shadow leader of the House has made the most sensible proposal. ‘If there is any question about whether parliamentary privilege gives protection against prosecution for fraud, then Parliament should make it very clear by passing a resolution to say that it does not.’
He, of course, is right and Parliament should show some muscle for once and pass such a motion.
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