New scheme for MP's allowances announced

[Osem]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8592174.stm

Not much detail in the above link yet but what I've just been listening to on the BBC sounds quite reasonable. Of course there'll now be demands for higher salaries so it'll be interesting to see how that pans out.

Can't see why they can't raise salaries and remove most expenses other that those incurred on official business.

[Spectato]

They should all come out on strike.
See if anyone even notices a difference.

[Russ]

I think this just about guarantees a payrise for them, although it should never be anywhere near what they ask for.

Incidentally if a Labour MP suggests a payrise in the House of Commons, shouldn't it be the Tories' place to oppose it?

No, these things are decided by a free vote.

I think a plot of land should be set aside and a tower block of flats should be built and mps who have to live in London while in parlement should live in them free of charge

Originally Posted by zing

I think a plot of land should be set aside and a tower block of flats should be built and mps who have to live in London while in parlement should live in them free of charge

Also leaves open the possibility of Animal House style antics! Might be a bit of a security issue though...On the other hand they could set it up with good facilities for the MPs to work with.

[Russ]

A massive security risk, imagine the Al Qaeda nutters salivating at the thought of one building containing the majority of the British government.

Originally Posted by Russ

A massive security risk, imagine the Al Qaeda nutters salivating at the thought of one building containing the majority of the British government.

What, you mean like this place?

[Russ]

That's hard enough for them to get to - do we want to give them another target?

Everywhere is a target. With appropriate security, the risk can be managed. I certainly don't think it's a reason not to consider a hostel for MPs.

Originally Posted by Russ

That's hard enough for them to get to - do we want to give them another target?

Russ, I hate to break it to you, but Westminster is a big fat juicy, easy target. I'll give you a hint of the route and delivery method I'd use.... It's in the foreground of the picture.

[Russ]

Originally Posted by Chris

Everywhere is a target. With appropriate security, the risk can be managed. I certainly don't think it's a reason not to consider a hostel for MPs.

What, you mean like this place?

Originally Posted by Earl of Bronze

Russ, I hate to break it to you, but Westminster is a big fat juicy, easy target. I'll give you a hint of the route and delivery method I'd use.... It's in the foreground of the picture.

If it was that easy it would have already been attacked, clearly repeatedly if someone with your worldly knowledge was involved

Well as they have a free vote each time to decide their own wages I don't suppose there will be much to stop them going for as high a raise as they can persuade other MPs to vote for.

Originally Posted by Russ

What, you mean like this place?





If it was that easy it would have already been attacked, clearly repeatedly if someone with your wordly knowledge was involved

Not necessarily Russ. Its a matter of scale of destruction, and the logistics requirements to make a really big boom. While it would be relatively easy to get four blokes into the area around Westminster with a couple of pounds of home-made explosives and metal to do more damage from fragmentation. Its a much greater problem to gather 5,000 - 10,000 lbs of ammonium nitrate fertilizer, ignition and booster charges, detonators, and a reliable detonation system. Not forgetting the boat needed to carry said explosive device into the centre of London....

Big bombs, that make big statements, require a massive investment in time and resources. The more people involved, the higher the risk the operation will be compromised. Conversely, the fewer people involved, the more time required to gather all the kit needed, also increases the prospect of compromise....