SNP CHALLENGE OTHER PARTIES TO ‘PUBLISH AND PAY UP

SNP CHALLENGE OTHER PARTIES TO ‘PUBLISH AND PAY UP’

The SNP has challenged all parties in the House of Commons to “publish and pay up” and abide by the recommendations of Sir Thomas Legg following his review of the additional costs allowance.

SNP Members of Parliament have all set out the detail of recommendations by the independent auditor and will provide further information or repay claims as requested - even though claims had been within the rules at the time.

Glasgow East MP, John Mason, said there was no reason other parliamentary parties should not now set out the detail of repayment recommendations as SNP Members of Parliament did on Monday evening.

Mr Mason said:

“If trust is ever to be restored in Westminster, all parties in the House of Commons must publish and pay up as recommended by Sir Thomas Legg.

“The SNP always said that we would abide by the final recommendations of the independent audit - and that is exactly what we will do. Where further information is requested it is being provided, and where money should be refunded it is being reimbursed – regardless of whether or not it was approved by the Fees Office at the time. Times have changed – and the Labour, Tory and Lib Dem parties have got to recognise that and follow the SNP’s lead.

“Attempts by other parties to hide information will only leave the public wondering what it is they have to hide.

“And the priority now should be to put the Westminster expenses system on the same solid, open and transparent footing as that of the Scottish Parliament.”