Leslie Coman is backing campaign to keep MPs travel information public

12.36.58pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 17th May 2007

An attempt by MPs to stop the public knowing about their expenses claims has been criticised by Liberal Democrat campaigner, Leslie Coman.

Former Conservative Chief Whip, David Maclean MP, has proposed a change to the law on Freedom of Information that would exempt MPs from having their expenses claims published.

Earlier this year, the government lost a legal battle led by Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker to require Parliament to publish the details of MPs travel expenses claims under the law on Freedom of Information.

But in response, an alliance of Conservative and Labour MPs are trying to change the law to prevent publication of their expenses.

Local Parliamentary Spokesperson, Leslie Coman, has written to Norman Baker and Simon Hughes backing their actions to stop the change to the law. She has also written to Christchurch MP, Christopher Chope, asking him if he will be supporting the Lib Dem-led challenge to this Bill.

Leslie Coman said:

"Norman Baker did a great service to the country earlier this year when his legal battle forced Parliament to publish the detailed travel expenses of MPs.

"As a result, many MPs have had to justify why they expect the taxpayers to pay for so much travel by car and plane. If their travel expenses are public, the evidence is clear that MPs do not treat themselves to such generous travel arrangements.

"I find the attitude of the Conservative and Labour MPs who support this bill sad and shocking. The attempt to ban the public from knowing the details of how taxpayers' money is being spent on their travel will rightfully anger the very people who have to foot the bill.

"Liberal Democrats feel very strongly that this information should be kept public. MPs should not hide behind a wall of secrecy."