High Court right to force disclosure of MPs’ expenses - 16 May 2008

Transparency and accountability vital for Parliamentary democracy

The Hansard Society welcomes the High Court ruling that MPs should disclose their expenses to the public.

Alex Boughton, Deputy Chief Executive of the Hansard Society commented:

“At a time when trust in our elected representatives is at a very low ebb it is important that politicians are accountable to the public they serve and are seen to be bound by the same conventions as the electorate. Transparency is key to a well functioning democracy and greater openness can only help restore trust in politics and faith that our representatives are spending public money in the most effective way.

“MPs’ expenses are clearly necessary to allow our representatives to serve the electorate to a high standard but it is also important that any abuses of trust are able to be highlighted and dealt with. This ruling is important to sustain Parliamentary democracy and accountability.”

For further information, contact Beccy Allen, Hansard Society Events and Communications Coordinator on 020 7438 1210 or mediaprog@hansard.lse.ac.uk

Editors' Note
•    The Hansard Society is the UK's leading non-partisan political research and education charity which exists to strengthen parliamentary democracy and encourage greater public involvement in politics