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MPs duck out of vital meetings
Paul Waugh, Deputy Political Editor08.04.09
MPs were today accused of routinely skipping Commons committee meetings that are meant to keep a check on the Government.
At least 60 of the 220 members on the most influential select committees missed more than half of their meetings last year, a new analysis found. Overall, attendance at key committees covering education, foreign affairs and culture have dropped by 10 per cent in five years, The Times found. Conservative Adam Afriye attended three out of the 45 meetings of the schools committee. Labour's Emily Thornberry went to 13 out of 36 meetings of the communities and local government committee. Fellow Labour MP Jim Dowd attended 18 out of the 37 meetings of the health committee. Labour's Dawn Butler attended 23 per cent of meetings of the schools committee, claiming on 19 occasions she was "either ill" or had a "diary clash".
Reader views (7)
that'll be so they have time for their second jobs and not to miss their place in the queue to file their creative expenses claims.
- M.O'Brien, london.uk
Roger, Surry.
I agree absolutely that we have the most scurrilous Government in living memory, but I don`t think it is fluke of nature that our Opposition is pathetic, they just are. If ever there was a very real need for an Opposition party to take the initiative and drive this shambles out of power it is now. Maybe one does make the other, if so then our Opposition MP`s must re-think their position and earnestly seek to reassure the electorate that Public Office has value. If the British public do not demand the highest levels of integrity from these representatives, then we have no hope for the future. Mr Cameron, take note!
- John E, Northants UK
Dawn Butler was probably too busy fiddling her expenses to attend! Respect? Not in her case!
- Chris, Brighton, England
I'm inclined to agree with Roger, the House of Commons seems comprised of an absolute shower on all fronts currently. The one thing MP's are worried about is that no one looks into their expense claims too heavily. My own MP spends so much time looking for photo opportunities that there's no time left for bothering with piffling things like voters.
- Bob, Cheam
By a fluke of nature we have the weakest Opposition know to man at the same time as the worst Government known to man. I guess one makes the other.
- Roger, Surrey
Too busy shopping for patio heaters and barbeques for their second or third homes, no doubt.
- Nick, Sydney
If they didn't spend so much time ripping off the Taxpayer, maybe they'd have time to do their jobs !
- Cap, london
