Robin Lawrence signs an open letter to the Speaker

12.12.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 18th May 2009

The Speaker

Wolverhampton South West Liberal Democrat candidate Robin Lawrence has along with a number of other Liberal Democrat candidates signed an open letter to the Speaker about the allowance system and the need for transparency. The letter follows

Dear Mr Speaker,

As Parliament continues to be dragged down by the allowance system, and its rules, the role of those in public service across the county is being undermined.

We are candidates seeking to be elected to Parliament and yet we find ourselves disappointed, and frustrated, at the way in which this matter is being handled. Every day our residents are telling us loudly that this must stop and this must stop now.

Three things stand out:

• The resistance to the releasing of these documents and the attempt to exclude Parliament from the Freedom of Information requirements

• The way in which Norman Baker and Kate Hoey were treated when they sought to raise legitimate concerns

• The fact that, through you, parliament could now release the information into the public domain and cut short this parade of drip-fed news and empower MPs and citizens through a new transparent relationship.

It is vital that parliament must become transparent and accountable now. We call on you, as Speaker of the House, to do everything within your power to force the full publication of all expenses immediately.

We also call on you to accept the independent review of MPs expenses and salaries chaired by Sir Christopher Kelly.

If you feel unable to do this we then ask you to consider your position. Time is running out for politicians of all parties to repair the damage to our democracy.

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Previous news story: Government blocks 10,000 new jobs (Sun 17th May 2009).
Next news story: British criminals would walk free under Tory plans (Tue 19th May 2009).

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