Watchdog calls for expenses reform
The MPs' expenses system risks creating a "tragedy" of excluding some people from political life, a watchdog has warned.
The chair of the Committee on Standards in Public Life has joined calls for reform of the system, warning "insufficient attention" had been given to making sure the system worked.
Sir Christopher Kelly was responding to a consultation being held by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) nine months after it took charge.
In the Commons, an MP is calling on the government to address the West Lothian Question, which highlights anomalies in national voting powers for MPs following devolution.
Business in the chamber will begin with MPs debating the Legislation (Territorial Extent) Bill at second reading stage.
Proposed by Harriett Baldwin (Con), the bill would require all draft legislation to clearly identify its effect for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Andrew Bridgen (Con, North West Leicestershire) will then introduce his Planning (Opencast Mining Separation Zones) Bill at second reading.
Then if time allows, the Commons will debate the Sex and Relationships Education Bill, proposed by Labour MP Chris Bryant.
Labour MP Iain Wright will then lead an adjournment debate on future funding arrangements for Cleveland Fire Authority.
In the upper chamber, peers are due to debate the recent developments in the Middle East and north Africa.
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.