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Speaker lynched over expenses scandal in last-ditch bid to save job
Joe Murphy and Nicholas Cecil18 May 2009
Michael Martin grovelled for his job this afternoon in the Commons as he came under devastating attack from MPs.
The Speaker said he was "profoundly sorry" for his contribution to the Commons expenses scandal and also apologised to a nation sickened by sleaze on behalf of all MPs.
But within minutes of his words, which were part of a desperate battle for his survival, the Speaker was embroiled in a slanging match with MPs who demanded he stand down.
Senior Tory Sir Patrick Cormack compared him to Neville Chamberlain who was forced to resign in 1940 and make way for Winston Churchill.
Veteran Labour MP David Winnick called on him to go without delay.
It left Mr Martin looking shaken and with his personal support draining away.
He repeatedly refused to say whether MPs who have put down a no-confidence motion would be allowed to vote on it.
The drama began with Mr Martin making a statement to MPs in which he proposed that he take charge of a clean-up of a system he had been accused of protecting.
He quickly made his apologies. "In doing so, please allow me to say to the men and women of the United Kingdom that we have let you down very badly indeed," he said.
In a complete change of tone from last week when he slapped down MPs who criticised him, Mr Martin then expressed his personal contrition for propping up the expenses system that was riddled with abuse.
"To the extent that I have contributed to the situation I am profoundly sorry," he said.
Calling on the Speaker to go, Liberal Democrat David Heath said MPs who "put us into this position by resisting reform cannot possibly be the right people to lead us out of the mire".
The Speaker's desperate gamble showed no immediate sign of having bought him extra time.
Mr Winnick told him: "If you gave some indication of your own intention for retirement - your early retirement, sir - would help the reputation of this House."
When Labour grandee Sir Stuart Bell told the Speaker that the majority of MPs backed him, Mr Winnick called out: "What world is he living in?"
Tory MP Douglas Carswell, who put down the no-confidence motion with 17 signatures on it, said a new Speaker with "moral authority" to sort out the expenses issue was required.
But Mr Martin said it was up to the Government to decide whether to allow the motion to be debated, provoking loud jeers from MPs who saw that as an attempt to wriggle out of a vote.
Labour MP Martin Salter said the Speaker was not "covered in glory" but it was wrong to make him a "scapegoat".
In the row, the Speaker's plans to oversee reforms to the expenses system were almost forgotten.
In his statement he said he would call together within 48 hours the Prime Minister and other party leaders to thrash out their ideas, starting with reform of the second homes allowance.
"In the meantime, I do urge all honourable members not to submit claims for approval," he said.
Gordon Brown sat in through the statement but left before the row started. His attendance was not meant as a gesture of support for Mr Martin, however.
It was said he was there because he wanted to show how important he viewed the issue.
Tory Richard Shepherd pointed out that the Speaker had been silent about his future.
"This is a constitutional crisis where we have to now hear a statement about the future, when many out there will not believe that we are serious about the changes necessary as long as you are in the chair."
But Mr Martin cut Mr Shepherd off mid-flow, stating that "this is not a debate he can enter into".
Later, Mr Brown was due to set out his own plans to reform the expenses system at a full meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party.
In a speech in Lancashire, Tory leader David Cameron said changing the Speaker was not enough and a general election was needed.
"Some MPs are calling for a new Speaker," he said. "I'm calling for something more: A new Parliament to come together and choose who it wants as Speaker."
Several Labour MPs now believe that an autumn election may be held.
One said it was now more likely that Mr Brown would be ditched and replaced by Health Secretary Alan Johnson.
Reader views (77)
Gordon Brown, be brave, don't sit on the fence, do something, show us your colour, be a leader, do the right thing, we demand that you take action now, what are you waiting for? Why are you waiting? Do something unexpected, do something out of character, replace the speaker, call an election for christ sake do something, else let someone else make the tough decision.
- Max, Isleworth, 19/05/2009 09:54
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all because he would not allow the gnome appreciation society a ringside seat viewing parliament
- William, Haywards Heath UK, 19/05/2009 07:35
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Shame we can not promote people like Lynne Featherstone who have not abused the system even with Mr Martin's encouraging members of the club to claim what seems like anything as an expense. Lynne has risen above it and I for one would like our newspaper to rejoice the few none abusive MP's who remain honourable, Mr Martin please clear your desk it is only a matter of time
- Gary, Brentwood, 19/05/2009 07:29
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As it is true he did protect the expenses system then he should go BUT he should not carry the can for all the corrupt MP's who had their nose in the trough. All MP's caught out should be sacked as would happen to any employee caught fiddling the expenses. A general election is required to at least partially clear the air. Although all parties are just as guilty as each other.
- Mark Clark, Rainham UK, 19/05/2009 05:36
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The conspiracy here is that we are all being distracted by this expenses scandal instead of focusing on the real issue of the day, which is the huge amounts of money given to UK banks to keep them solvent at the expense of the next three generations of UK citizens, the fact that the Bank of England's monetary policies are starting an inflationary spiral, and the very real possibility that the UK government might go bankrupt. It seems awfully convenient timing to me that all of this should come out at a time when the focus of our ire should be on the banking elites. But then, banking and politics are deeply reliant on one another to survive.
- Rob Scott, Sheffield UK, 19/05/2009 04:21
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I watch this unfolding scandal with interest as here in Canada there is hardly a mention of this controversy. We have 14 elected governments to watch over our 30 million souls, each a replication of the Westminster system. Corruption, sleaze and malfeasance no stranger to our numerous parliamentry halls... could it be that after the recent Gomery Enquiry that perhaps they do not want any awkward questions being asked of our system? .....again...
- Warwick, North Vancouver, Canada., 19/05/2009 02:13
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I think that many MP's who have abused expense claims are very pleased that someone else is getting flack as it turns down the heat on them. I for one do trust Gordon Brown and think that he will do his best for this country. I don't think that of many other MP's but then must admit I do not know a great deal about all of them. I don't think anyone should be surprised by these expense claims that have come to light. I am sure they have been happening for many 10's of years in some guise or other. Many mention the Queen, now come on, I think there has been a fair few expense claims here over the years.
- Cel, wrecsam, wales, 19/05/2009 01:36
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I will vote in the next General Election to the canditate that admits that Parliament only introduces 20% of laws impemented in Britain today. The rest are introduced by the EU and rubberstamped into legislation by lackeys.
- William, Sussex UK, 19/05/2009 00:21
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Michael Martin resisted reform to the expense system, as he knew it was a free flowing cash machine within Westminster.
At the end of the day, a high majority of MP's did not want their expenses exposed as they knew full well they had exploited the system for their financial gain. It does not wash "that they made errors of judgements." The only error of judgement they made was thinking they would never get exposed.
It's just a shame Tony Blairs claim forms all got shredded but then the Audit office can still go through the past six years accounts and see what they had paid him besides his monthly salary! By LAW, accounts must be kept for six years. His is one set I'd love to see as him and his wife loved nothing less than MONEY MONEY MONEY. Now we have an insight how they might have afforded thier multi million pound house protfolio.
Overall, saying sorry, is not good enough as they still can not see where or what they have done wrong. THIER EGOS AND ARROGANCE ARE FAR BIGGER THAN THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF HOSNESTY. THEY ACTUALLY HAVE CONTEMPT FOR US VOTERS - THE PEOPLE THAT PUT THEM THERE.
The pittance they repay, will never replace the full amounts defrauded. Thye should be sacked immediatley, with loss of fully paid up pension, as warning to other MPS's.
If were only left with 100 honest MP's, then at least some honet decisions will be made until the summer recess and an election.
- Tm, London, 18/05/2009 23:14
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WHY DOES EVERYONE KEEP ASKING THE QUEEN TO DISSOLVE PARLIAMENT SHE HAS NO POWER AND LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE IF SHE HAD SOME CLOUT SHE WOULD HAVE DONE SOMETHING BEFORE NOW LIKE WHEN DIANA DIED THEY HAD TO BE COAXED TO GO TO LONDON TO SHOW FACE TO KID THE PUBLIC ON THEY WHERE CONCERNED,
- Jim Fennessey, london, 18/05/2009 22:49
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Dissolve parliament and call for an election NOW
- John Smith, London , England, 18/05/2009 21:53
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Lack of moral fibre with all this Lying-Loony-Nu-Labour lot. The are a disgrace not only politics but a normal moral life-style.
- Mike, London, 18/05/2009 21:43
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FINAL WORD, PATHETIC. DICTIONARY EXPLANATION OF PATHETIC. DISTRESSINGLY INADEQUATE. WONDERFUL LANGUAGE ENGLISH.
- Alan Green, Woodford Green, 18/05/2009 21:19
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Is it time Britain introduced a new gong to acknowledge proficiency in robbing the public purse - Order of Friendship of Gordon Brown (OFGB)?
- Peter Seekings-Foster, Mildenhall, Suffolk., 18/05/2009 21:17
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The SPEAKER approved 'The Green Book' that MPs misread, section 1.3 states:
Claims should be above reproach and must reflect actual usage of the resources being claimed.
Claims must only be made for expenditure that it was necessary for a Member to incur to ensure that he or she could properly perform his or her parliamentary duties.
Allowances are reimbursed only for the purpose of a Member carrying out his or her parliamentary duties. Claims cannot relate to party political activity of any sort, nor must any claim provide a benefit to a party political organisation.
It is not permissible for a Member to claim under any parliamentary allowance for anything that the Member is claiming from any other source.
Members must ensure that claims do not give rise to, or give the appearance of giving rise to, an improper personal financial benefit to themselves or anyone else.
Members are committed to openness about what expenditure has been incurred and for what purposes.
Individual Members take personal responsibility for all expenses incurred, for making claims and for keeping records, even if the administration of claims is delegated by them to others.
The requirement of ensuring value for money is central in claiming for accommodation, goods or services – Members should avoid purchases which could be seen as extravagant or luxurious.
Claims must be supported by documentary evidence, except where the House has agreed that such evidence is not necessary.
- Mr Tudge, Wigan, Lancashire, 18/05/2009 17:57
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How Michael Martin can cling to power when all about him have lost faith in him is beyond belief. He is well tuned in hard faced brazenness, but he takes it to a new level. His self interests are getting in the way of his doing the honourable thing and resigning. But, like the thuggish politics, with which he grew up and of which is is a clear master, he will have to be forced out of power. If he does not go, then the public will lose what vestiges of hope they have left that Paliament can be fixed. Michael Martin has to go for the greater good of parliamnet, British politics and the welfare of the nation.
- Karen, London, 18/05/2009 17:54
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Those who think this is all a Tory conspiracy to divert attention from other matters need to start using their brain rather than their prejudice. The Lib Dems have been far more critical of Martin than the Tories and even some Labour MPs have broken cover with very trenchant criticisms. Martin is a very poor Speaker who probably should never have been elected to a post for which he appears to have little qualification. He should go - now.
- James Elliott, Eastbourne UK, 18/05/2009 17:53
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Mr. Martin is out of touch with the feeling of the country. Out he must go and the senior staff in the fees office along with him.
- Ladywholunches, london, 18/05/2009 17:37
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Get rid of this bumbling Speaker (is he really the Speaker!!!) and the rest of parliament! Give us an election. Dear Gordon hasn't the guts to say anything, let alone lead this country.
- Conned Voter, London, 18/05/2009 17:34
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I have never been a fan of "Gorbals Mick" and it has become clear over recent days the vast majority of the voting public would insist he does the last honourable thing and resign with immediate effect. If our Prime Minister (I'm not a fan of him either)can no longer express any form of confidence in the man then he should go. The abject arrogance of Members of Parliament from all parties who have fruadulently obtained public money is a public disgrace, hiding behind the "rules" merely adds insult to the intelligence of the decent hardworking public. I openly encourage Sir Paul Stephenson Commissioner of Police to vigourously investigate all allegations of fraud committed by members of the house, I openly encourage the political parties to de-select those members who have been found wanting and paid back the money they have taken. Let the political parties select decent honest and industrious candidates to manage the country. David Cameron has shown some significant leadership in this issue, he knows the public are demanding a general election now, but Gordon Brown is too arrogant to listen to the will of the people. If Brown had the courage of his convictions he would demonstrate leadership by dismissing the speaker and calling the election. Perhaps HM the Queen should make the decision for him before any further damage is done to our Sovereign State.
- Roly Baker, London, England, 18/05/2009 17:24
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He must go and go now. He is ultimately responsible for the expenses scandal. Furthermore, it is now clear that he is protected only by this government, since it is the government’s refusal to table a motion on his future that is allowing his survival. We cannot have a Speaker who is a creature of the government of the day.
Once he has gone, we can turn to the business of prosectuting those MPs that deserve it and deselecting those whose behaviour warrants that.
- David Boycott, London, UK, 18/05/2009 17:15
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It was like watching pantomime with Martin as Speaker this afternoon. Is he going? Oh yes, he is, oh no he's not... The House of Parliament is changing into a House of Farce.
- K Lee, Cheshunt, UK, 18/05/2009 17:13
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Parliament appears to be all ceremony and corruption. This government and this parliament are endangering democracy.
We must have an election now.
- Wat Tyler, Midlands, England, 18/05/2009 17:11
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This is like an oil tanker reading for the rocks with its bottom already scraping along the shallows. That explosion is not far away. The problem is that it all happens in slow motion.
- Tony Islander, Herts, 18/05/2009 17:09
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If my stereo system had a SPEAKER that performed as badly as Michael Martin did today, I would junk it.
Did he not have to audition for this job? Did no one realise he has an indistinct, pale pink voice that carries no authority?
- Jargonaut, South London, 18/05/2009 17:09
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That bumbling, inarticulate speech by Speaker Martin was an insult to the British people. It was an absolute farce.
Let's call for a General Election now then he will have to go.
- Janet, London, UK, 18/05/2009 17:01
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Speaker Martin has a well documented history of his own snout being in the huge Westminster trough. Is it any wonder that he has tried to cover up the corrupt practices and has used millions of our money to do it ?
The man is not so much ignorant but arrogant and must be forced to go now .
- Drowning Not Waving, UK, 18/05/2009 17:01
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That bumbling, inarticulate speech by Speaker Martin was an insult to the British people. It was an absolute farce.
Let's call for a General Election now then he will have to go.
- Janet, London, UK, 18/05/2009 17:01
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It seems like a scapegoat has been found. I'm not saying he is guilt-free or shouldn't be sacked, but he is just as guilty as the rest of them that abused the system and they should all go.
- Paul R, London, 18/05/2009 16:59
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BY PAST EXPERIENCE IF HE GOES IT WILL COST US A FORTUNE IN TAXI FARES.
I SEE HE ALONG WITH BROWN IS FROM SCOTLAND WHERE THEY GET FREE PRESCRIPTIONS, FREE UNIVERSITY EDUCATION, FREE CARE IN NURSING HOMES.
TIME TO GIVE SCOTLAND INDEPENDENCE.
- Alan Green, Woodford Green, 18/05/2009 16:57
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I have never been moved to post a comment before today, but the man is a complete Joke. He is now trying to prevent people debating what they want in the house, his comments to people like Ms Hoey means he needs to walk the plank not be the plank
- Common Man, The countryside, 18/05/2009 16:57
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What is it with these Labour clowns? What makes them think, after getting us into this mess, that they are the best people to lead us out of it? They are not and if they had any respect for the electorate or indeed any affection for the country which they claim to serve, they would stand aside forthwith.
- St, London, 18/05/2009 16:56
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Too little, too late.
- Isabel, Woking, 18/05/2009 16:56
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Brown won't indicate whther he supports speaker Martin or not, sayinh it's NOT a matter for the Government but for the house of Commons. spwaker Martin says it's not up to the House of Commnons but up to the Government to decide if time can be granted for a debate. The farce goes on. Just call an election and we can all move forward without either of these idiots.
- Malcolm, London, 18/05/2009 16:56
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Thanks Doug. We'll take independence but you can keep our politicians. It increases the average IQ of both nations
- Alan, Glasgow, 18/05/2009 16:54
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We are a Banana Republic and a set of Elite Clubs sponsored by the Surf Taxpayer.
- A.Taxpayer, london, 18/05/2009 16:50
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Yes, indeed. Mr Speaker Martin, as has been stated in other Forums etc, should resign. Why hang onto office just for the sake a big payout. All this does is confirm the incompetence and greed of MPs. It will take votes of no confidence to shift the Speaker, or he can resign now and leave with some dignity.
Whatever happens, there needs to be an early General Election to clear the decks, and give back some credibility to Parliament. Another 12 months of Labour under Gordon McRuin's dithering and blunderings, will just make matters worse. Unless McRuin tries to sieze power and declare some sort of 'Emergency' so he can suspend civil liberties, Parliamnet etc - but even he wouldn't be that stupid! - or would he?
- Uncle Vanya, East Anglia area UK, 18/05/2009 16:48
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What an ironic title, Mr "Speaker". His statement was delivered full of mistakes and in an almost incoherent manner. Perhaps he should have moved his finger along each line as he read.
- Jb, London, 18/05/2009 16:41
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Perhaps the speaker must go but as far as I know there have been no problems with his expenses. Don't let this side show blind you to the daylight robbery taking place all around him. Few in that place seem to have any moral ground to stand on at all.
- Ben, London, 18/05/2009 16:38
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ONE WORD, SCAPEGOAT WITHOUT A DOUBT, JUST READ THE TORIES EXPENCE SHEET AGHHHHHH MY GOD!!!!!! THEY ARE ALL AT IT.
- Annie, croydon, 18/05/2009 16:37
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Once the Speaker's meeting with the Party leaders has taken place and the interim proposals drawn up,then it would be timely then for him to announce his retirement. This would allow his successor to lead the implementation and for him to dis-engage without losing honour.
- William Grierson, Kimpton-UK, 18/05/2009 16:31
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He must stand down as those that count on him have no confidence in him.MPs must also stand down,as we the British public that count on them,have no confidence in them.Makes perfect sense.
- David, london, 18/05/2009 16:31
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The Queen must dissolve parliament which would trigger her abdication in favour of Charles.She MUST do this-the PM and his turkeys will never vote for Xmas.
- Amoreno, Luxembourg, 18/05/2009 16:30
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People like Speaker Martin and his supporters seem to be making the rules as they go along.
If need be, they would probably even be prepared to dispense with the rules. Anything to maintain the status quo - no matter how undignified and destructive for the country.
Drastic action may be necessary to get rid of this lot.
- Horace, London, UK, 18/05/2009 16:27
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Looks like now's as good a time as any to give the Scot's the independence they crave.
- Doug Watt, london e14, 18/05/2009 16:24
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Looks as though it will take a high charge of explosive secured between the cheeks of his well nourished arse to finally dispatch him. He clearly has every intention of hanging on until the very last minute - and displays a complete ignorance of his current standing in parliament and the disgust which which he is viewed my members of the public.
- Alan, Essex, 18/05/2009 16:22
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Michael Martin's election as speaker of the house of commons raises serious questions about the judgement of those who elected him. I have just listened to his speech to the house this afternoon and I cringed at his inarticulate, stumbling, stuttering ramblings. When he does go I sincerely hope that - out of 646 MPs they will elect a successor who can "speak".
- R.F., Yorks, UK, 18/05/2009 16:18
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He might be a fool but he is the victim of a witchhunt by the Tories. they want to smokescreen the sleaze in their own house.
Most of the people writing in have absolutely no idea what his role is, how the role works, indeed how The Commons works. They just like to spout off. (still don't we all)
- Anon, Purley, 18/05/2009 16:16
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Sobbing as i write this.Why has the nation,mp's,and the prime minister turned on the man who wanted to stop the freedom of information act being released,who has the bare faced cheek of a snake oil salesman,and believes the house of parliament is his personal property?..I believe everything Speaker Martin has to tell us and cant wait to see him in pantomine this year..he has the lead in Ali Babar and the 653 thieves..
- Jonnie Of Brixton, brixton,london,england, 18/05/2009 16:13
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All aboard the Westminster gravy train!!! All this man cares about is his 100k pension, he gets if he hangs around until next summer. No honour or shame. If any of them had any backbones they would call an election and allow the people a vote and say in the current mess we have in this country, we should be the judges not the MP's who have created this mess.
- Gary, Brentwood, 18/05/2009 16:12
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Having seen his performance on TV, He has clearly lost the confidence of the Majority of the house.
Fall on your Sword before it becomes Humiliating.
- Bill Williams, Chateau Gontier France, 18/05/2009 16:08
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I totally agree with David Grey - get rid of Martin and then dissolve parliament. They can't just blame it on one man and the system - afterall it was they who created the system! Turkeys and Christmas and all that... If it was the normal average director of a company who had been doing this he would have been brought before the court of the land and struck off and done for fraud, perhaps even getting a criminal record. I ask - 'what's the difference here?'.
- Julie Higgins, Leicestershire, UK, 18/05/2009 16:07
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Mr Speaker, We are not interested in your apologies. You had ample opportunity to redress the wholesale plundering of tax payer's money by MP's. You did everything possible to block an open, transparent accounting procedure. You have no right to remain in the position you are in and you must leave. You are not interested in the democratic process or dignity of Parliament; all you are interested in is your personal financial gain.
- Patricia, LONDON, 18/05/2009 16:01
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I watch Mr. Martins statement, and I for one was not convinced that he understood the nature and gravity of the situation and that he has nothing but his own position in mind.
- Ian, Ramsgate England, 18/05/2009 16:00
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We don't care how "sorry" you are Gorbals, (and frankly we all know you're only sorry that the gravy train has come off the rails) you have just got to GO! And how come you don't even know what kind of motion it is for you to resign?! Early Day? Substantive? Don't you think you might just have checked in advance, you fool?
- Johnny, Beijing, China, 18/05/2009 15:59
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No, No, No, No!!
How can a person who did his best to stop expenses being made public; who soiled the trough himself and who then allowed MP's to conspire to aggrandise their expenses have anything to do with the "clear up"?
This gets worse and worse as no leadership is given.
Do not the leaders in parliament listen to the public or have they all got tin ears.
Someone act. Now!!
We need a massive clear out of all the rotten apples, not MP's and their leaders clinging to the window sills to stay in.
No shame, no guilt....no job.
- Minnie Ovens, London, UK, 18/05/2009 15:58
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I have just listened very carefully to Gorbals Mick spouting spin and waffle in the House of Conmen.
WHAT A DEVIOUS APOLOGY FOR A SPEAKER HE IS.
He was stumbling over his words. He repeatedly had to consult his clerks over his precarious position.
THIS DISGRACEFUL MORON IS TRYING TO BUY TIME. HE WANTS TO HANG ON UNTIL THE GENERAL ELECTION IN JUNE 2010 SO HE CAN COLLECT HIS GBP100,000 "GOLDEN GOODBYE".
GORBALS MICK IS A HYPOCRITE OF THE FIRST ORDER.
JOE PUBLIC WANT HIM OUT OF THE HOUSE OF CONMEN.
JOE PUBLIC NEEDS A GENERAL ELECTION NOW.
JOE PUBLIC WANTS THE POLICE TO ARREST MP's WHO HAVE ALLEGEDLY DEFRAUDED THE HARD-WORKING TAXPAYER.
Gorbals Mick is a very smooth-talking con man.
THE QUEEN NEEDS TO DISSOLVE PARLIAMENT IMMEDIATELY.
JOE PUBLIC IS GETTING VERY ANNOYED.
- Reuben Camara, Morecambe UK, 18/05/2009 15:57
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I am bored with apologies now. Can we have out money back?
- Smb, London, UK, 18/05/2009 15:56
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Gorbals Mick will not go easily,-when he landed this phoney Job as Commons speaker it was like winning the lottery for him and his family,-the man is beneath contempt and typifies evrything that is rotten in Zanulabour,-perhaps the next time the police enter parliament it will be to remove him.Now if we could also get rid of Brown,Balls,Blears,Straw,Harman,Jowell,Miliband,Mandelson,Hoon,Hain,Mcnulty,Cooper,Woolarse,Cruddarse-etc etc ad infinitum.
- Jacob, Canterbury Kent, 18/05/2009 15:56
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Of course he won't go, if the MPs force him to quit then by implication they all have to go bar a handful. In the end rogues will protect their own - it's up to HMQ to dissolve this sorry RUMP! Who said off with their heads!!
- S Skudder, Benitachell Spain, 18/05/2009 15:55
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The whole government and House of Commons is in meltdown...No confidence in Michael Martin...what about confidence in Brown.....no one has any in him he should do the honourable thing and jump before being pushed...preferably from.a tall building.....Smoke screns and glass houses come to mind.
- Rosie, watford, 18/05/2009 15:55
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Goodbye Martin, go fall on your fat chequebook!
- Paul Freeman, London, England, 18/05/2009 15:54
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Grovel,ORDER,ORDER snort snort.Has this man any shame,go and let us move on.
- G.Diamond, Essex, 18/05/2009 15:53
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Speaker Martin, you are the weakest link. Goodbye !
- Doug Watt, london e14, 18/05/2009 15:50
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I hope this afternoon Michael Martin says he will be standing down as Speaker not shortly but with IMMEDIATE EFFECT.
- Goggs, London, 18/05/2009 15:33
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Labour MP Jim Sheridan said: “They attack a man who can't defend himself.”
646 MP’s attack the population with an intolerable attitude to decency and integrity, and this elite political ruling class believe they are all above the law as it would be applied elsewhere. How can we defend ourselves against these feudal rulers who have no concept of freedom or democracy accept when it applies to them.
The feeling is that these 646 tyrants will spin it out for at least another year in the hope we will have all forgotten and moved onto other concerns by then.
A ruling class of 646 MP’s when 250MP’s would be too many.
- Ian, Reading, England, 18/05/2009 15:31
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Michael Martin is a died-in-the -wool trade unionist who won't part company until his pockets are lined. He has already shown that he has no shame and won't give up without a fight.
As for the Scottish Labour MP's who are supporting them.
I'm a Scot and would point out to them that Scottish taxpayers are just as fed up as the English ones. They know that the Scottish voters have an alternative in the SNP so should tread very carefully before backing Martin.
- Scotty, Cambridge UK, 18/05/2009 15:28
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The Speaker, who was charged with managing the expense system and ensuring that it operated in an honourable and compliant way, has been found to be the master of nothing more than a pig trough. Both the Master of the Trough and those dishonourable MPs who gorged themselves improperly from it, must all go - and soon. Otherwise the reputtaion of Parliament and the established political parties will be dangerously damaged yet further.
- Trevor, London, UK, 18/05/2009 15:26
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Its so very easy now for all the other politicians regardless of which party they are in to shift the blame to Mr Matrin.They were all complicate in this shambles, never heard any of them standing up before this to tell the electorate how bad it all was.
As well as showing they are thieves, they are now showing they have no moral backbone.
- Mel Kerr, london great britain, 18/05/2009 15:25
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That will be rich socialists accusing the Tories and metropolitan MPs of waging a "class war" then. The irony and hypocrisy are laughable.
- Frank, Home Counties, England., 18/05/2009 15:25
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it would be a pleasant surprise if they did oust the present speaker, who has proved a rather inept and comic character (black comedy that is), but i fear that this' honourable' institution will protect its own, if only from a fiscal point of view. they've yet to fully accept the temerity and gross abuse they've perpetuated and are still in denial; part of the grieving process for all they stand to lose. reputation and money not least.
- M.O'Brien, london.uk, 18/05/2009 15:22
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Why have you got a picture of Cameron when he has failed to call for Michael Martin to go? It is Nick Clegg who has taken the lead on this one.
- Robert C, London UK, 18/05/2009 15:15
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Brown plays the part of Pontius Pilate so well doesn't he. Yet again washing his hands of something he should take responsibility for. What a craven coward the man is.
- Richard K, Nottingham, 18/05/2009 14:55
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The only solution is if the speaker steps down now, parliament is dissolved over the summer and a general election is called for the Autumn so that the electorate can chose the MP, Party and Prime Minister that they want to take us forward for the next Parliament - It's in no one's interests (except the MP's themselves) for the current situation to be allowed to continue any further.
- David Grey, london, 18/05/2009 14:40
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Bye bye, it wasnt nice knowing you "Michael Nose in the trough and I am out for all I can get Martin" .
- Dave Davies, Basingstoke, 18/05/2009 14:36
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How can this shameless old fraud, holder of one of the highest offices in the land but who has treated Parliament as just another trade union chapel, even dare to show his face in the Commons? He needs his Glaswegian backside kicked into the gutter, where it belongs.
- Ken, Bexleyheath, 18/05/2009 14:26
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This whole saga of expenses has got out of hand and should have been dealt with expeditiously a long time ago. Since Martin was responsible for taking action and decided to prevaricate as well as keep his nose in the trough he should go now. He has proven himself not to be worthy of this esteemed post and has no sense of the common man/woman in this country who work hard and pay his salary. He is to my mind completely discredited and should not be allowed into the Hhouse of Lords or receive his farewell present of £100k. It is acknowledged not all MP's have had their noses in the trough but we need to get back to the urgent business of running the country in these difficult times and the demise of Martin would be a good start. He never has been in the league of Betty B as Speaker and does not appear to have any intelligence in knowing what and when to do things in a timely fashion.
- Dave, ashington, 18/05/2009 14:11
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