Anger grows over payments to MPs
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.BETTY BOOTHROYD, the Commons Speaker, came under pressure yesterday over the 'questions for cash' affair, with some Labour MPs demanding a far wider shake-up of the rules governing paid consultancies and directorships.
Miss Boothroyd said she had under 'urgent and active consideration' demands for an inquiry following newspaper disclosures that two Tory MPs were each willing to table Commons questions in return for pounds 1,000.
Divisions over the issue came as the MPs, Graham Riddick and David Tredinnick, were suspended from their posts as parliamentary private secretaries on the orders of John Major, who backs a thorough review of procedures.
A taped telephone conversation between a Sunday Times reporter posing as a businessman and Mr Riddick, released last night, reveals the journalist asking about the pounds 1,000 fee. Mr Riddick says: '. . . Why don't you just send it to me. Do you want my home address?'
Telling the caller he would declare the payment, Mr Riddick says: 'It seems like a good idea that businesses should have access to Parliament really. . . . So long as everything is above board, I will declare it if it helps industry and so on.'
At the heart of the controversy - reopening unwelcome 'sleaze' allegations - is the conflict between the ancient principle that payments are a breach of privilege, and the rules requiring MPs to register them. Dale Campbell-Savours, Labour MP for Workington, is leading calls for both the Commons Committee of Privileges and the Select Committee on Members' Interests to examine the issue.
The select committee can make recommendations for approval by a majority of MPs. But the privileges committee of senior members from all parties has a broad remit to pronounce on matters affecting the House's credibility and reputation.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments