[user104658]

Originally Posted by Livia

We shouldn't even be having this discussion, she should have gone immediately. If I stole over five grand from work I'd be arrested. Every MP that fiddles should be arrested and charged. If IPSA wasn't so concerned with policing MP's staff and counting *******ing paper clips and instead concentrated on what they're there for, thieving scum like this woman would be awaiting trial.

I was thinking this, if I stole £500 from my work I'd be out on my arse... £5000 and I'd be facing charges. But then I realised what the difference is - I'd be taking money from the profits of a private company (unforgivable!!) whereas they're just taking money from the tax pot. And after all, what is it there for other than for them to feed off of? It's just public money.

Then again... take a look at what happens to a benefits claimant who fraudulently claims £5000. And there's really no difference, then. What are MP's expenses other than benefits?