Editorial: A pro-Europe voice that will be missed
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.It is no compliment to Denis MacShane to say that he did not prolong the agony. Found to have falsified his parliamentary expenses claims, he had a choice between the penalty imposed by the Standards and Privileges Committee – a year's suspension from office – and resignation. He chose the latter, which at least ensures that his constituents will be represented in Parliament, once the by-election has been held. Mr MacShane could also face prosecution; the police are – rightly – looking at the evidence again.
While all this is as it should be, too little attention has been paid to the collateral damage. Not only is Rotherham losing an effective MP, and a doughty campaigner against racism, but Westminster is losing one of its most impassioned and articulate pro-European voices, at a time when they are already few and far between. There is not a little irony in the fact that it was fabricated invoices for travel and activities in Europe that helped to bring Mr MacShane down. In acting as he did, he has damaged the very cause he loved.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments