Press Release
RICHARD BURT
Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate – West Worcestershire
Date: 16/05/2007
Embargo: Immediate
Contact: 07970 713032
KEEP MPS’ TRAVEL INFORMATION PUBLIC – RICHARD BURT
An attempt by MPs to stop the public knowing about their expenses claims has
been attacked by local Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate, Richard Burt.
Former Conservative Chief Whip, David Maclean MP, has proposed a change to the
law on Freedom of Information that would exempt MPs from having their expenses
claims published.
Earlier this year, the government lost a legal battle led by Liberal Democrat MP
Norman Baker to require Parliament to publish the details of MPs’ travel
expenses claims under the law on Freedom of Information.
But in response, an unholy alliance of Conservative and Labour MPs are trying to
change the law to prevent publication of their expenses.
Richard Burt has written to Norman Baker and Simon Hughes backing their actions
to stop the change in the law.
“Norman Baker did a great service to the country earlier this year when his
legal battle forced Parliament to publish the detailed travel expenses of MPs,”
said Richard.
“As a result, many MPs have had to justify why they expect the taxpayer to pay
for so much travel by car and plane. If their travel expenses are public, the
evidence is clear that MPs do not treat themselves to such generous travel
arrangements.
“I find the attitude of the Conservative and Labour MPs who support this bill
sad and shocking. The attempt to ban the public from knowing the details of how
taxpayers’ money is being spent on their travel will rightfully anger the very
people who have to foot the bill.
“I feel very strongly that this information should be kept public. MPs should
not hide behind a wall of secrecy.”
A further debate on the proposals to exempt MPs from the Freedom of Information
laws will be debated in the House of Commons on Friday 18th May. MPs Norman
Baker and Simon Hughes will be leading the attempts to stop the changes being
introduced.
ENDS
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