British Press Uncovers Financial Scandal

By Jaya Spier

In a startling announcement in England today, the Speaker of the House of Commons, Michael Martin has stated that he will be stepping down next month and resigning from his position as MP. Martin is the first Speaker to quit in 300 years. The last time this happened “Sir John Trevor was found guilty by the House of a "high crime and misdemeanour" for accepting a bribe in 1695” (Birminghampost).

This announcement came after British Press discovered the recent scandal concerning many MPs expenses earlier this week. The Labour and Conservative Chiefs, Mr. Nick Brown and Mr. Patrick McLoughlin respectively, have been accumulating thousands of pounds over the year claiming the money was spent on food and other frivolous expenses. Neither one believes that they have done anything wrong. They are only two out of many who claimed similar expenses.

“The Telegraph says that Mr Brown's claims, which he made public himself a few days ago, totalled £87,708 between 2004 and 2008. This included £18,800 for food, with regular claims of £400 per month during the recess. Until recently, MPs were able to claim up to £400 a month for food without providing receipts.” (BBC)

Martin has claimed that he is stepping down to preserve unity in the government. “Since I came to this House 30 years ago, I have always felt that the House is at its best when it is united…In order that unity can be maintained, I have decided that I will relinquish the office of Speaker on Sunday June 21. This will allow the House to proceed to elect a new Speaker on Monday June 22.” (Telegraph)

Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, has also stated that no MP who has been found breaking the rules of the Commons expenses would be allowed to participate in elections for Labour Party candidate.

Soon after Mr. Martin’s announcment, Commons Leader Harriet Harman said in a written statement, "Michael Martin’s resignation today as Speaker is an act of great generosity to the House of Commons that Members of Parliament from all parties will respect.
"Michael Martin has served the House as Speaker with distinction. The House will have an opportunity to pay its own tribute to him before he leaves the Chair. As someone who has been in the House of Commons with him for over 25 years, I know that his passionate commitment to the House is beyond doubt. The House owes him a great debt of gratitude." (Timesonline)

This scandal has reached out and touched all corners of England’s population. During these hard economic times as the common mans’ lives are falling apart with the loss of jobs and homes such a betrayal is almost unbearable and the government must act competently so as not to further infuriate its fragile public.