Nine MPs use parliamentary expenses to fund Amazon Prime subscriptions
Some say claim had been made in error or had occurred after forgotten month's free trial
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.A number of MPs have claimed for their Amazon Prime subscription in their Parliamentary expenses.
Nine MPs were found to have included the service in claims over the last three years, according to new figures seen by the Daily Mirror.
Some said the claim had been made in error or had occurred after a forgotten month's free trial, while others attempted to justify the cost.
SNP’s Lisa Cameron said: “With the opening of my constituency offices, on a number of occasions equipment was ordered through Prime membership offering longitudinal savings on timeous delivery costs.
“This particular expense was not entered directly by me however, it was undertaken by a former proxy, and until such times as I am able to discuss it with them, I am not able to provide further comment."
The subscription affords members access to unlimited next day delivery and a range of blockbuster movies and TV shows, including 50 Shades of Grey, The Lego Movie and I, Daniel Blake.
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) said MPs were able to claim for the service, however “the MP will need to justify that the subscription is primarily used for parliamentary purposes at the time they submit the claim."
Three SNP MPs and three Conservatives submitted claims for the premium subscription this year. Labour’s Mary Creagh also claimed in 2014, however she repaid the claim the following month.
She said: "I believe it was an error at Amazon's end and they refunded it directly to the card without telling me."
It came as MPs were given a pay rise last week, after IPSA confirmed their salary would rise from £74,962 to £76,011 from 1 April.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments