quote:

Originally posted by Kaytee:
I had a blazing row with the OH the other day, because he tore up his voting card when it arrived, because he refused to vote for any of them. I told him that attitude stank.
These elections are solely to place some muppet on the Brussels gravy train, the MEP will be largely ineffective anyway. I will vote, but look for an Independent candidate...failing that, I will vote UKIP or some other small party. No way will I be voting for any of the other three.

As a protest vote in the European Elections Kaytee, I shall be voting either UKIP or The Green Party. I hope more people will do the same so that we get the message across to the three major parties.

quote:

Originally posted by The Devil In Diamante:

quote:

Originally posted by captain marbles:
The quality of some of the debate on this thread is vastly superior to so much of the twaddle you get from those in the media who are paid huge wodges to sneer at anyone who takes politics seriously.
Thanks all.

Only one way to find out....fiiiiiigggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhht!! In the Blue Corner, CAMERON...in the Red Corner, BROWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Harry Hill for PM.

quote:

Harry Hill for PM.

Nah, I propose Joanna Lumley.

Some of these expenses claims look bad but are probably justifiable. I don't think that applies to this one in the Torygraph today:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/new...st-MPs-expenses.html

"Elliot Morley, the former agriculture minister, continued claiming for the mortgage interest on his constituency home for more than 18 months after the loan had been repaid."

£16000 of it.

Apparently, he informed the chief whip last week about it according to the blurb at the bottom. Yet it says this inthe article:

“I do not believe any offence has been committed. I have reported this to the finance department and chief whip. I have made a mistake, I apologise for that and I take full responsibility. My priority was to repay and if I suffer financially as a result of that, I have only myself to blame.”

I like that: "if I suffer financially". He feels hard done by!!

quote:

Originally posted by Cariad:

quote:

Originally posted by Kaytee:
The EEC was set up to enable free trade among European states, while each retained their own sovereignty, thus bringing economic benefits to all (if you discount the various food mountains etc). It has now evolved into the EU, with political and social consequences not envisaged by the voting public in 1972.

Well it's a lot more complicated than that but I understand why you over simplified it!

Political union was always there in the background (a reaction against the new US and USSR superpowers and a wish to avoid future European conflict after WW2) but that was never going to be bought by the British public back in 1972 so the whole free trade thing was used to sell the idea. And it worked. Economic integration was seen to be the only practical way towards political union.

Churchill himself stuck his oar in back in Zurich in 1946.

"I wish to speak to you today about the tragedy of Europe. (...) Yet all the while there is a remedy which, if it were generally and spontaneously adopted by the great majority of people in many lands, would as if by a miracle transform the whole scene, and would in a few years make all Europe, or the greater part of it, as free and as happy as Switzerland is today. What is this sovereign remedy? It is to recreate the European Family, or as much of it as we can, and to provide it with a structure under which it can dwell in peace, in safety and in freedom. We must build a kind of United States of Europe."

It was simplified because I had no intentions of delivering a lecture on a complex issue

What is really sticking in my throat now is the sanctimonious and patronising way they are now waving their grubby cheques in our faces as this is going to appease Joe Public and cleanse them of their moral taint! I for one would happily take said cheques now and post them back where the sun don't shine, although many might view that as handling stolen feckin' goods!

quote:

Originally posted by Xochiquetzal:
What is really sticking in my throat now is the sanctimonious and patronising way they are now waving their grubby cheques in our faces as this is going to appease Joe Public and cleanse them of their moral taint! I for one would happily take said cheques now and post them back where the sun don't shine, although many might view that as handling stolen feckin' goods!

What about the monies that have been stolen years, ago? are they going to pay that back too if yes then we are going to have alot of broke politicians.

quote:

Originally posted by greenandpink:

quote:

Originally posted by pretty~cocoa~eyes:

quote:

Originally posted by Xochiquetzal:
What is really sticking in my throat now is the sanctimonious and patronising way they are now waving their grubby cheques in our faces as this is going to appease Joe Public and cleanse them of their moral taint! I for one would happily take said cheques now and post them back where the sun don't shine, although many might view that as handling stolen feckin' goods!

What about the monies that have been stolen years, ago? are they going to pay that back too if yes then we are going to have alot of broke politicians.

Completely agree. This is a snapshot. Its been going on for years. I am so angry at Hazel Blears (she does look like a troll that you used to get to put on top a a pencil ) She waved her cheque around all proud and pleased with herself, but she mugged us off in the first place!!!

It is shocking the way they are treating the taxpaying public... Maybe people need to match for their rights in this country...

quote:

Originally posted by HyacinthB:

quote:

Originally posted by Kaytee:
I had a blazing row with the OH the other day, because he tore up his voting card when it arrived, because he refused to vote for any of them. I told him that attitude stank.
These elections are solely to place some muppet on the Brussels gravy train, the MEP will be largely ineffective anyway. I will vote, but look for an Independent candidate...failing that, I will vote UKIP or some other small party. No way will I be voting for any of the other three.

As a protest vote in the European Elections Kaytee, I shall be voting either UKIP or The Green Party. I hope more people will do the same so that we get the message across to the three major parties.

I will vote for an independent if there is one, failing that, I'll vote UKIP I think

quote:

Originally posted by greenandpink:

quote:

Originally posted by Kaytee:

quote:

Originally posted by HyacinthB:

quote:

Originally posted by Kaytee:
I had a blazing row with the OH the other day, because he tore up his voting card when it arrived, because he refused to vote for any of them. I told him that attitude stank.
These elections are solely to place some muppet on the Brussels gravy train, the MEP will be largely ineffective anyway. I will vote, but look for an Independent candidate...failing that, I will vote UKIP or some other small party. No way will I be voting for any of the other three.

As a protest vote in the European Elections Kaytee, I shall be voting either UKIP or The Green Party. I hope more people will do the same so that we get the message across to the three major parties.

I will vote for an independent if there is one, failing that, I'll vote UKIP I think

UKIP!!!?

I voted Respect last time.....just a protest vote for neither of them stand a chance in my area. I have to vote for someone because I believe in exercising my franchise, so the protest goes where it can do the least damage

Haven't read all the pages but I'm sure it's been mentioned that surely some of these expenses scams are fraud in the eyes of Inland Revenue. If so will they face the same consequences as others do. If someone fraudently claims VAT in businesses they're held accountable. Will any of these people be held accountable is what I'd like to know.

quote:

Originally posted by Yellow Rose:
Haven't read all the pages but I'm sure it's been mentioned that surely some of these expenses scams are fraud in the eyes of Inland Revenue. If so will they face the same consequences as others do. If someone fraudently claims VAT in businesses they're held accountable. Will any of these people be held accountable is what I'd like to know.

They should do, but I doubt it. There seems to be a different rule for them and a different rule for us.

quote:

Originally posted by Liverpoollass:

quote:

Originally posted by Yellow Rose:
Haven't read all the pages but I'm sure it's been mentioned that surely some of these expenses scams are fraud in the eyes of Inland Revenue. If so will they face the same consequences as others do. If someone fraudently claims VAT in businesses they're held accountable. Will any of these people be held accountable is what I'd like to know.

They should do, but I doubt it. There seems to be a different rule for them and a different rule for us.

Exactly and that just creates more division between politicians and the public. I'm glad this has all come to light and hope it's remembered when some of them are hoping to be re elected

The MP for Dewsbury and a Justice Minister...claimed £ thousands and he is defiant.
Says it's a 'non-story'
How arrogant can you get!!!

quote:

Originally posted by HyacinthB:

Indeed they are Hyacinth! In the Daily Mail this morning they are calling for them to be prosecuted. If it were you or I, we would be so I hope they are, but I doubt it.

Morning btw

quote:

Originally posted by sciencewasrobbed:
The MP for Dewsbury and a Justice Minister...claimed £ thousands and he is defiant.
Says it's a 'non-story'
How arrogant can you get!!!

Their arrogancy (is that a word?), leaves me speechless...I suspect many of the MPs will be facing financial crisis soon....they've lived the High Life for too long and are probably living beyond their means now the expenses fiddle has been rumbled.....good...let THEM see what it's like!!! I haven't one ounce of sympathy for any of them!

I'm like this right now!!!!!!!!!!!

No wonder the British have been voted one of the angriest nations in Europe!!!!

haha

quote:

Originally posted by JacksonB:
haha

ROFPMSL!!!!
That is so funny. Thanks for that...

quote:

Originally posted by The Devil In Diamante:

quote:

Originally posted by sciencewasrobbed:
The MP for Dewsbury and a Justice Minister...claimed £ thousands and he is defiant.
Says it's a 'non-story'
How arrogant can you get!!!

Their arrogancy (is that a word?), leaves me speechless...I suspect many of the MPs will be facing financial crisis soon....they've lived the High Life for too long and are probably living beyond their means now the expenses fiddle has been rumbled.....good...let THEM see what it's like!!! I haven't one ounce of sympathy for any of them!

I'm like this right now!!!!!!!!!!!

No wonder the British have been voted one of the angriest nations in Europe!!!!

Diamante... it is infuriating... I work in the public sector and we are facing huge cutbacks and these fiddles often cost way more than keeping people in jobs. It is criminal is what it is.
BUT have a look at the link posted by Jackson. It will deffo make you

quote:

Originally posted by Liverpoollass:

quote:

Originally posted by HyacinthB:

Indeed they are Hyacinth! In the Daily Mail this morning they are calling for them to be prosecuted. If it were you or I, we would be so I hope they are, but I doubt it.

Morning btw

Absolutley!!

a glossary of fiddles...

'Flipping’ their addresses: MP nominates London property as “second” home, charges the taxpayer for furniture and refurbishment, then nominates constituency home so they can do up that one too.

Climbing the property ladder: MP renovates property courtesy of taxpayer, sells it on at a profit, then buys another property, renovates it, sells it and so on.

Council tax reduction: MP claims full rate of council tax on “second” home, paid by the taxpayer, then claims discounted rate on their other home, paid by themselves, by telling council this is their “second” home.

March madness: MPs who haven’t claimed the maximum permissible allowance during the financial year go on spending sprees in March to “use up” the remainder of their allowance before April deadline.

Last-minute repairs: Splashing out thousands on renovations just before stepping down as an MP in order to maximise profits when second home is sold.

Capital gains tax avoidance: Although second homes are subject to capital gains tax for the general public, MPs can avoid paying this when they sell their second home by claiming it is, in fact, their main home.

Claiming for the 'wrong’ address: Although MPs are supposed to nominate the home where they spend the least time as their “second” home, some claim their main family home as their second property, so that the taxpayer foots their large household bills, while their “main” home is a cheap rented room in a friend’s house in London or their constituency.

Long-distance shopping: MP buys large household goods, such as beds, wardrobes and armchairs, and has them delivered to constituency home, then claims they took them to their London home at a later date. Parliamentary officials rarely, if ever, question whether they are telling the truth about where the furniture ended up.

Maxing out: Until recently, MPs did not have to submit receipts for claims under £250, so many claim for £249 worth of cleaning, repairs or other services without having to provide any proof of what it cost them.

Binge eaters: MP claims the maximum £400 food allowance for every month of the year, even during the recess when they are unlikely to be away from their main home.

quote:

Originally posted by sciencewasrobbed:
The MP for Dewsbury and a Justice Minister...claimed £ thousands and he is defiant.
Says it's a 'non-story'
How arrogant can you get!!!

I think he believed that the best form of defence was attack. He even had the gall to hint that the Telegraph picked on him for racist reasons. By asking why he was being singled out. Me thinks he should wake up and smell the coffee.

quote:

Originally posted by sciencewasrobbed:

quote:

Originally posted by Liverpoollass:

quote:

Originally posted by HyacinthB:

Indeed they are Hyacinth! In the Daily Mail this morning they are calling for them to be prosecuted. If it were you or I, we would be so I hope they are, but I doubt it.

Morning btw

Absolutley!!

I agree too.

The mob should haul 'em out, hang one in fifteen at random.

Pour encourager les autres

quote:

Originally posted by Bigdaddyostrich:
The mob should haul 'em out, hang one in fifteen at random.

Pour encourager les autres

Tres bien. Vive la revolution!

quote:

Originally posted by Bigdaddyostrich:
The mob should haul 'em out, hang one in fifteen at random.

Pour encourager les autres

Err weren't you the one saying you aren't a Nazi in the UKIP thread?

've just watched a jumped up numpty trying to defend himself, they are so out of touch with the real world and I think its disgraceful, something should be done.

quote:

Originally posted by Yellow Rose:
Haven't read all the pages but I'm sure it's been mentioned that surely some of these expenses scams are fraud in the eyes of Inland Revenue. If so will they face the same consequences as others do. If someone fraudently claims VAT in businesses they're held accountable. Will any of these people be held accountable is what I'd like to know.

Doubt they will ever be prosecuted for that though. The MP who claimed expenses on a 2nd home which they subsequently nominated as a MAIN home for tax purposes upon selling that home has according to the rules done nothing wrong.

Yet a mother who apparently "flipped" her home to her mothers house in order to get her kid into a better school is facing the full wrath of the law.

quote:

Originally posted by squiggle:

quote:

Originally posted by Bigdaddyostrich:
The mob should haul 'em out, hang one in fifteen at random.

Pour encourager les autres

Err weren't you the one saying you aren't a Nazi in the UKIP thread?

I'm a Sans Culotte. Subtle doctrinal differnces

quote:

Originally posted by Bigdaddyostrich:

quote:

Originally posted by squiggle:

quote:

Originally posted by Bigdaddyostrich:
The mob should haul 'em out, hang one in fifteen at random.

Pour encourager les autres

Err weren't you the one saying you aren't a Nazi in the UKIP thread?

I'm a Sans Culotte. Subtle doctrinal differnces

I'm with you now! Aux armes citoyens! Are you knitting? Les tricoteuses!!

well whomever we vote for its like handing them a winning lottery ticket ...the coruption is from top to bottom....and i do believe that slobber moutherd speaker of the house...is as much a fraud and a cheat as any of the others...wasnt he embroiled in a scandal alst year...with taxis for his wife to and fro the supermarket

quote:

Originally posted by j0anne:
well whomever we vote for its like handing them a winning lottery ticket ...the coruption is from top to bottom....and i do believe that slobber moutherd speaker of the house...is as much a fraud and a cheat as any of the others...wasnt he embroiled in a scandal alst year...with taxis for his wife to and fro the supermarket

Yes he was, and, sadly, the Speaker CANNOT be sacked!!!!! Now, how and where can I get a job like that!!!

quote:

Originally posted by Bigdaddyostrich:
I'm a Sans Culotte. Subtle doctrinal differnces

That would be an ecumenical matter.

quote:

Originally posted by The Devil In Diamante:

quote:

Originally posted by j0anne:
well whomever we vote for its like handing them a winning lottery ticket ...the coruption is from top to bottom....and i do believe that slobber moutherd speaker of the house...is as much a fraud and a cheat as any of the others...wasnt he embroiled in a scandal alst year...with taxis for his wife to and fro the supermarket

Yes he was, and, sadly, the Speaker CANNOT be sacked!!!!! Now, how and where can I get a job like that!!!

It was said in the paper this morning that possibly the Queen could remove him. It also said (from a Labour spokesman) that it is impossible to defend the Speaker now.

quote:

Originally posted by j0anne:
well whomever we vote for its like handing them a winning lottery ticket ...the coruption is from top to bottom....and i do believe that slobber moutherd speaker of the house...is as much a fraud and a cheat as any of the others...wasnt he embroiled in a scandal alst year...with taxis for his wife to and fro the supermarket

Agree with you there Jo, and yes I think he was. It just makes me so incensed that there are decent people out there, who are losing their jobs/houses/families, struggling from day to day to survive and still managing to live a decent and moral life. Then you have these legalised crooks fleecing us right, left and centre, whilst preaching the moral high ground to us mere mortals.

Makes me want to shake Guy Fawkes by the hand

If he were alive today

NuLabour are in a pickle about the speaker. If the men in the grey suits knock on his day and he resigns then there will be a bye-election for his seat I suppose and that will be catastrophic for them. If he stays then he's got very little support in the HoCs and that damages them too. I think they'll top him and take the hit because they need a scapegoat/fallguy right about now and he's ideally placed as head of the adminstration team there.

quote:

Originally posted by Liverpoollass:

quote:

Originally posted by j0anne:
well whomever we vote for its like handing them a winning lottery ticket ...the coruption is from top to bottom....and i do believe that slobber moutherd speaker of the house...is as much a fraud and a cheat as any of the others...wasnt he embroiled in a scandal alst year...with taxis for his wife to and fro the supermarket

Agree with you there Jo, and yes I think he was. It just makes me so incensed that there are decent people out there, who are losing their jobs/houses/families, struggling from day to day to survive and still managing to live a decent and moral life. Then you have these legalised crooks fleecing us right, left and centre, whilst preaching the moral high ground to us mere mortals.

Makes me want to shake Guy Fawkes by the hand

If he were alive today

Our Troops are being sent to War ZOnes in shoddy kit, Pensioners are struggling, Cancer Sufferers are being denied vital treatment due to the cost....and THEY just take what they want!!!! This is just the tip of the ice-berg!!!!

I bet the ones who haven't been exposed yet are absolutely cacking it!!!

The MP who claimed £800 per month for his Mortgage, even though the Mortgage had been paid off 18 months before!!!! Most FAMILIES have to live off £800 per month, let alone NOT notice whether it's going into your Bank Account!!!!!

The more I think about it the more I feel sick, £400 for food even during their Summer Break!!! 91 days holiday per year, voted by themselves....big,fat greedy oinks....grrrrr!

"He reportedly told the paper he would be meeting party leader David Cameron's scrutiny panel next week to discuss his claims, and would repay any sum if asked to do so."
------------------------------------------------

So if they don't actively ask him to repay the money he's not going to, even though he knows it was fraudulently acquired!!!
They should all be sacked forthwith, with no remuneration or glowing references AND made to pay every penny, that was fraudulently claimed, back. Even if it takes a while.

Do they really think that saying 'sorry, I made a mistake' and giving some money back makes it all OK?

THEY HAVE BEEN PARTICIPATING IN CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES!! pROSECUTE THEM ALL!!!