David Heath

Liberal Democrats | Somerton and Frome

"Government plans to clean up Parliament desperately flawed" claims Heath

24 April 2009

Somerton and Frome MP, David Heath has written a petition for Members of Parliament that heavily criticises Gordon Brown's proposal to introduce a daily allowance for MP attendance.

Under the proposal, MPs would get about £150 a day just for arriving at work. The petition known as an EDM, argues that these proposals are not adequately transparent, are wide open to abuse by some MPs, and would penalise MPs that represent constituencies that are a large distance from Westminster. On Thursday MPs will debate this proposal. Mr Heath will lead the Liberal Democrats in the debate.

Mr Heath said: "The Government's proposal to introduce a daily allowance shows how desperate the government are to clear up the sleaze stories that have come out in recent months.

Proposals like this will not be successful in improving public confidence in Parliament because they are ill thought through and will ultimately lead to further abuses of power.'