MPs’ Xmas perk is a trifle too rich
I’M sure the news that MPs will have to buy their own booze at Christmas parties, leaving only food and decorations to be paid for by the taxpayer, will reassure all those facing financial hardship that Members of Parliament are doing their bit to economise in the face of stringent cuts to public spending.
C. SIMPSON, Wokingham, Berks.
MPs’ Xmas Partygate. ‘Two large G&Ts, please. Shall I put that down as “six strawberry trifles”?’
TONY MALLETT, Birmingham.
HOW disgusting that MPs can get their Christmas parties funded by the taxpayer thanks to a change in rules by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA). These taxpayers are people who, in some cases, have children and have to decide whether to heat or eat. MPs should hold their heads in shame and be banned from claiming for such jollies.
BILL DAVIS, Biggin Hill, Kent.
WILL the MPs hosting Christmas parties invite boris Johnson for a slice of Christmas cake, to make up for the bit of birthday cake he didn’t eat?
KEITH JOHNSON, Southampton.
I HAVE always voted Conservative but with the state of the country, its finances, immigration policy and the heating cost fiasco, when the next election comes around, I will have to give serious thought to my loyalties. We have had years of austerity for more than a decade now. Middle earners are paying more and those who choose to buy electric cars will soon have to pay road tax. Yet MPs continue to get ridiculously high expenses and pay rises. According to IPSA, in 2020-2021 MPs collectively claimed £138 million in ‘business costs’. Why should we have to pay for MPs to employ their family members to work in their office and pay their energy bills? They can now even claim money for holding a staff Christmas party. This gravy train needs to hit the buffers.
PETER YOUNG, Leeds.
IF MPs wish to say ‘thank you’ to supporters, then it should come from the heart — and their own pocket.
DAVID JOHNS, Bridgnorth, Shropshire.
FEW MPs are capable of organising their own Xmas parties — even in a brewery!
GORDON MORRIS, Southwick, Wilts.