Jack Straw & Malcolm Rifkind in 'cash for access' sting.

I have a problem with this.

act.sumofus.org/go/7579?t=4&akid=9593.1669823.ryh6Un

Would like to see their bank accounts balances.

I though Jack Straw was a good guy.I even read his autobiography.

I rather like the rules in the US (and I don't say that very often ) where they can work at something else but are limited to, I think it was, a third or their political salary.

Of course this could be abused

of not or

It is nonsense to say that MP's need a second job to extend their experience if they spent time with their constituents that would give them real experience rather than sitting around in board meetings and having lunch!
MP's could also do with being less arrogant and more interested in real people with real challenges and successes.

BRedhead59

I don't see why parliament would benefit from having MP's who cannot have a second job.

Why do you think a doctor for example should be unable to practise for 5 years?.

Don't you think they would probably never put their name forward so we could be missing excellent MP's and sitting in their place would be a career politician who may have less of a contribution to make during debates and voting in legislation.

Personally, I think it would be good if there was a requirement that people who stand for election have had some work experience outside of politics.

Once they are MPs, though, I don't think they should have directorships and other positions in companies that might lead to a conflict of interest and to them neglecting their parliamentary duties.

I do agree that those with professions that require continuing professional development criteria to be carried out in order for professional status to be maintained should be able to do the minimum hours required in order to do this. They may, as has been said, be voted out after five years and may then wish to return to their former employment.

There was a vote on it on 25th February. Needless to say the government got its way.
This is from Hansard.

"Ms Eagle: To make it clear again, the parliamentary Labour party will change its rules and its standing orders so that from the start of the next Parliament no Labour MP will have remunerated directorships or consultancies. All our candidates and all our existing Members of Parliament will have to change their arrangements in order to comply with this change of rules. Will the right hon. Gentleman now commit to his party doing the same?

Mr Hague: No, as is very clear from my speech. I have made the point that the Committee on Standards in Public Life made. The hon. Lady has said what the Labour party will do in the next Parliament, but I hope she will admit that she has to deal with the points I have been making about how to define these responsibilities, because they are not dealt with at the moment. There is no clear answer from the Opposition even about what their policy is."