New Labour’s expensive scam

Millions of people across Britain struggle through decaying public transport systems every morning to get to work.

But for our hard-pressed MPs, there is some respite – a chance to claim unlimited travel expenses, including first class train tickets and business class flights. Overall, MPs claim a whopping £4.5 million in travel expenses.

But for those such as government minister Tony McNulty who find the commute too stressful, MPs can also claim expenses on a second home.

This covers rent or mortgage interest payments, hotel expenses, telephone and utility bills, furnishings, cleaning, insurance and repairs as well as a “subsistence allowance” of £25 for every night away from their main home.

In McNulty’s case that is £25 a night for staying with his wife in west London – a mere eight miles away from his “main home” with his parents.