Jack Straw and Sir Malcolm Rifkind in latest 'cash for access' scandal.

Mr Angry · 22-02-2015, 22:43

Poor old Jack Straw. Last week his main worry was people shouting "War criminal" at him in the street.

"Two former foreign secretaries are exposed for their involvement in a new “cash for access” scandal.

Jack Straw and Sir Malcolm Rifkind offered to use their positions as politicians on behalf of a fictitious Chinese company in return for payments of at least £5,000 per day.

Mr Straw, one of Labour’s most senior figures, boasted that he operated “under the radar” to use his influence to change European Union rules on behalf of a commodity firm which pays him £60,000 a year."

Tele.

TheDaddy · 23-02-2015, 05:08

The think that strikes me when mps get exposed like this is how cheaply they can be bought for, iirc Patrick Mercer sold out for five hundred quid a day

**Maggy** · 23-02-2015, 12:50

Why can't they see it's just bribery..and something they would condemn in members of other political parties.

Plus along with that £67,000 goes a very generous pension scheme..

**Hugh** · 23-02-2015, 14:56

If they are found to be using their position for personal gain through corruption, they should be charged.

---------- Post added at 13:20 ---------- Previous post was at 13:05 ----------

Update - Rifkind suspended by the Conservatives.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31589202

---------- Post added at 14:56 ---------- Previous post was at 13:20 ----------

I see Ed Miliband intends to ban MPs from having a second job.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31589282

Whilst I (sort of) agree with the concept, I suppose it's easier to suggest it when your partner earns £250,000 per year......

Kursk · 23-02-2015, 15:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh

.....when your partner earns £250,000 per year....

Strewth. Does anyone remember who the last real Labour politician was?

Mick Fisher · 23-02-2015, 17:37

Wow!! Another couple of greedy 'past their sell-by date' MP's caught with their snouts in deep swill.

Whatever next?

Pierre · 24-02-2015, 10:11

This wasn't cash for questions though. This was to be an advisor to a "ficticious" company. Where he would charge a daily consultancy fee, and use his contacts and experience to set up meetings with people that could further the companys interests.

I don't see anything wrong with it.

heero_yuy · 24-02-2015, 10:27

Breaking news:

Quote:

SIR Malcolm Rifkind has stepped down as chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee amid the cash-for-access storm.

The Tory grandee will also quit as an MP after the General Election in May.

Ex-Foreign Secretary Rifkind, 68, had already been suspended following footage of him apparently offering to use his role to help a firm for payment.

Paywall linky

**Maggy** · 24-02-2015, 13:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pierre

This wasn't cash for questions though. This was to be an advisor to a "ficticious" company. Where he would charge a daily consultancy fee, and use his contacts and experience to set up meetings with people that could further the companys interests.

I don't see anything wrong with it.

I do.It can still be open to abuse of the system..and is still against the rules.

BenMcr · 24-02-2015, 13:49

http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31603202

Quote:

Sir Malcolm Rifkind steps down as security committee chairman and as an MP

Mick Fisher · 24-02-2015, 18:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenMcr

http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31603202

Made my day

Pierre · 24-02-2015, 20:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maggy J

I do.It can still be open to abuse of the system..and is still against the rules.

It's not against the rules to have other jobs if you're an MP, approx 20% do. As long as it is declared.

straw and rifkind didn't have to declare this as they hadn't started working for them.