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THE Prime Minister's plans to overhaul MPs' expenses came under fresh attack today as Parliament's own lawyers warned of the dangers of creating an independent regulator.
Gordon Brown's Parliamentary Standards Bill could undermine Parliamentary privilege and MPs' human rights. The Clerk of the House and Speaker's Counsel said it could undermine the courts. Critics said the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority could affect the sub-judice rights of judges. The Joint Committee on Human Rights said the Bill's safeguards may not prevent breaches of the right to a fair hearing.
Reader views (5)
There should be no special treatment for MP's. They already receive a handsome sum of money for the job they do; they should not be entitled to any special expenses full stop.
- Brandon Thomas, SW7, London, 02/07/2009 04:51
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All this debate about getting rid of the Upper House - it sounds easier and cheaper to get rid of the Lower one!
- Roz, France, 01/07/2009 17:11
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How much longer are we going to have to read misinformed comments about the expenses scandal,R.F Yorks, the whole expenses fiasco is a cross party mess and not the responsibility of the sitting government.If only they could demonstrate some unity over matters that mean something to normal people , such as education and health , instead of using them as polical footballs as and when it suits them
- P.M, UK, 01/07/2009 17:10
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What about the human rights of tax payers? We have been robbed by this most despicable, corrupt government. To hell with their rights. They forfeited those when they began thieving from the public purse. If and when they return every penny they have claimed in "expenses" they might deserve to have some of their rights restored. Until then they will be treated with the contempt they deserve.
- R.F., Yorks, UK, 01/07/2009 15:50
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you assume MPs are human
- John Lowe, london UK, 01/07/2009 14:41
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