[kirklancaster]

http://http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31580374

Straw and Rifkind deny 'cash for access' wrongdoing
Sir Malcolm Rifkind and Jack Straw

TWO FORMER FOREIGN SECRETARIES IN CASH FOR ACCESS SCANDAL

Jack Straw and Sir Malcolm Rifkind are the subject of the allegations, arising from a joint investigation by the Daily Telegraph and Channel 4's Dispatches.

The documentary makers said reporters posed as staff of a fake Chinese firm.

The MPs have referred themselves to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards. Both deny any wrongdoing.

It is claimed that Mr Straw was recorded describing how he operated "under the radar" and had used his influence to change EU rules on behalf of a firm which paid him £60,000 a year.

On the subject of payment, Mr Straw is heard saying: "So normally, if I'm doing a speech or something, it's £5,000 a day, that's what I charge."

Sir Malcolm is reported to have claimed he could arrange "useful access" to every British ambassador in the world.

The Conservative MP for Kensington and chairman of Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee was recorded saying: "I am self-employed - so nobody pays me a salary. I have to earn my income."

He said his usual fee for half a day's work was "somewhere in the region of £5,000 to £8,000".

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