Keep MPs' Travel Information Public

9.09.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 16th May 2007

An attempt by MPs to stop the public knowing about their expenses claims has been attacked by Liberal Democrats in Selly Oak.

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 Freedom of Information Act.

But an unholy alliance of Conservative and Labour MPs are now trying to change the law to prevent publication of their expenses.

Liberal Democrats in Selly Oak are leading the calls to keep the information public. Local councillor Robert Wright has written to Lib Dem MPs Norman Baker and Simon Hughes backing their actions to stop the change in the law.

"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," said Robert Wright.

"As a result, many MPs have had to justify why they expect the taxpayer to pay for so much travel by car and plane. If their travel expenses are public, it 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 rightly anger the very people who have to foot the bill.

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

A further debate on the proposals to exempt MPs from the Freedom of Information laws will be held in the House of Commons on Friday 18 May. MPs Norman Baker and Simon Hughes will be leading the attempts to stop the changes being introduced.