Chris Huhne Backs Openness On MP's Expenses

2.47.00pm GMT Tue 20th Jan 2009

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne has backed a motion in parliament to ensure that MPs' expenses are fully subject to the same rules as any other public body under the Freedom of Information Act.

Chris said that he will oppose a Government attempt to provide a special exemption for MPs from the openness legislation so that they did not have to provide full details of expenditure claimed from the taxpayer. "MPs should never be above the law" he said.

"There is no justification for MPs having separate and less burdensome obligations than any other public official. Our voters should be able to know how we perform as stewards of public money" said Chris.

The vote is expected on Thursday in the Commons on the statutory instrument giving effect to the proposed special conditions for MPs. In the meanwhile, Chris has backed an early day motion tabled by Liberal Democrat MPs to make clear their support for full openness concerning money claimed from public funds.

Notes to editors:

1. The early day motion reads as follows:

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (PARLIAMENT) ORDER 2009

19.01.2009

That this House notes with concern the provisions in the Freedom of Information (Parliament) Order 2009 to remove the expenses of hon. Members and Peers from the scope of the Freedom of Information Act; notes that this Order singles out hon. Members and Peers in a special category as the only public officials who will not have to disclose full details of their expenses; further notes the High Court judgement of 16th May 2008 and subsequent reassurances to hon. Members that expenses would be published in full by autumn 2008; further notes with concern the regressive effect of this Order on parliamentary transparency and the detrimental impact it will have on Parliament in the eyes of the public; and calls on Ministers to block or repeal the Order in the interest of hon. Members' and Peers' accountability to members of the public.

2. Chris Huhne's expense claims show that he made the lowest claim of any Hampshire MP for additional costs of maintaining two homes, and was one of the most frugal in the country as a whole

3. The Liberal Democrat MPs already publish more information on their expenses claims than is required by law as a commitment to openness.