Why don't MPs understand it looks worse when they try and hide things?

The House of Commons Commission, chaired by the Speaker, was due today to release the details of how MPs spend their £23,000 second home allowance. Their lawyer told them there were no grounds for a High Court appeal.

Instead of complying with the Freedom of Information request, affirmed by a tribunal last month, the Speaker found a new lawyer.

This new second great legal mind, perhaps tempted by the prospect of a fat great fee paid by the taxpayer, said that they could see grounds for appeal and took the case on. Quelle surprise. Now the public will foot a hefty bill, probably running into six figures, for a High Court appeal that the Speaker's original lawyer said they couldn't win.

The decision was taken after the Commission met informally this morning with 20 minutes' notice. Not everyone made it to the meeting.

There is a further twist. MPs wanted to prevent publication because it forces them to disclose their home addresses (already available on the electoral register, and asked for only because some MPs had put their holiday homes down as their "additional home"). The vast majority were not trying to stop the details of their expenses being published. Even the Commission said last week that the principle had been conceded.

However, the Commission's new lawyer is now challenging the entire decision - rather than just the ruling about addresses - claiming that the entire judgment by the Freedom of Information Tribunal was "misdrected". The High Court challenge aims to scupper the entire judgment.

Asked if there was any recognition that this desperate bid to keep their expenses secret may look bad, a source close to the deliberations said: "No."

Comments

[Glyn H]

Perhaps because Mr Martin and his cronies inhabit the same closed to reality life as does Mr Brown. This supposed mega-brain has got himself into yet another completely unnecessary mess over the Embyro Bill. Both are unfit for Office; I do hope everyone has read the Bower biog. of Mr Brown

[Ken fron glos]

Stinks Stinks Stinks

[madasafish, Stoke on trent]

I cannot believe how stoopid MPs are.

On second thoughts, if their snouts are in the trough, they would not want us to see.
I'll modify my opening statement then...

I cannot believe how greedy MPs are.

[James Davenport]

It's the dimwit Speaker and his unaccountable advisers who are trying to hide things - MPs generally have nothing to do with this.
The Speaker has never sought the authority of the House in this matter and is acting purely off his own bat.
I'm sure plenty of MPs would recognise how awful all this looks...
Another reason for the old twit to go.

[Udo]

Politicians are like Zaffod Beeblebrox, nothing gets in the way of their ego's.

[Udo]

Politicians are like Zaffod Beeblebrox, nothing gets in the way of their ego's.

[howard]

because they have plenty to hide. thats why they don't get it. there all crap !!!

[jonathan mills]

It is time for an MP to table a motion that the house does not support the speakers actions on this matter. At least we can see who votes for or against which would be useful ammunition at the next election.

[Ashok Mahajan]

Current House of Commons is full of robbing thugs as if the MPs belonmg to three MAFIA Families who struggle for power to assist their families fleece the public. Depicable disgraceful is British Parliament in the hands of current lot of MPs. They all should be wiped out in next elecetions and a new order should be established.

[David Boothroyd]

Come on Sam, you first. What were your expenses claims, including those refused by your employers, for the last five years? Which meetings did they relate to? Remember, it only looks worse if you try to hide things.