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The expenses scandals of the last few months has dominated the headlines and severely tarnished the reputation of all MPs, not just those who have abused the system, and Parliament as a whole.
Together with conversations I have had with you on the doorstep and letters and e-mails I have received, it is clear that reform of the current Parliamentary system is needed (and needed now) to restore your trust.
You can find Gordon Brown's constitutional statement by clicking on the link below :
http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page19579
In brief, measures include:
· Pulication of past and future expenses on internet,
· Creation of a new Parliamentary Standards Authority with delegated power to regulate the system of allowances
· Enabling the public to initiate directly some issues for debate,
· Increase the engagement of young people in politics - including whether to lower the voting age.
· strengthen the engagement of citizens in the democratic life of their own communities by offering stronger, clearly defined powers to local Government and city-regions
It would be useful to have your feedback on the reform.
Please email me at phyllis.starkey@gmail.com.
Dr Phyllis Starkey MP
Milton Keynes South West
Published in the MK Citizen
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