MPs could face jail for expense irregularities
Under new regulations being considered by the UK government, MPs found fiddling expenses could find themselves liable to potentially one year in prison. The government is also looking to introduce similar penalties with regards to MPs who do not register commercial interests or potential conflicts of interest with their Parliamentary work. While there's no doubt that this type of legislation would receive a big welcome from the UK population, there are concerns that it may be too much too soon.
Despite what all the main parties say there is no doubt that MPs have been caught "milking the system" and have now been forced to react. MPs from all parties have in the past tried to block publication of expenses and introduction of tighter regulations although the same people are now stepping forward as the "champions of the people". There is no doubt that the Labour Party has been more damaged by the expenses saga than most, which is why the government is looking to introduce a whole raft of new laws.
It will be interesting to see if the hot air being blown in the Houses of Parliament actually sees change brought in to the system or whether six months down the line this will all be over and done with and forgotten about.
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