So we're expected to swallow the story that the Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill released the Lockerbie bomber (who murdered 270 innocent people) after just eight years in prison on 'compassionate' grounds with no pressure from anyone else. Some suggest, however that the release was influenced by the government to facilitate British energy companies' trade in Libya.  The Telegraph says that Lord Mandelson, the Business Secretary, has met several times with Colonel Gaddafi's son, including, most recently, at Nathaniel Rothschild's villa in Corfu. Saif Gaddafi himself has thanked the British as well as the Scottish administration for securing the release, and has implied that lucrative trade deals will follow. Peter Mandelson denies any deal. That's the same Mr Mandelson  who was sacked from the Government previously for doing 'nothing wrong'. Who do you believe?

As Exchequer Secretary Kitty Ussher's responsibilities included tackling financial crime. She fulfilled her duties so well that she niftily avoided paying capital gains tax to the tune of almost £17,000. More amazing is her perception that she 'did not to anything wrong'! Which part of public accountability, ethical leadership or just common decency doesn't she understand? Good riddance to another vapid fool. On that subject, Anthony Steen's mansion received a visit from a jealous constituent and her friend; how nice of Mr Steen to share his home and gardens. By the way, you can view the official, censored list of MP's expenses on the UK Parliament website.

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned! After being snubbed for a promotion, Caroline Flint verbally castrated Gordon Brown. The Europe Minister, accused Gordon Brown of using her as "female window dressing" and of operating a "two-tier Government". At least Susan Boyle has the reassurance that Gordon thinks she is "a really, really nice person".

Be careful what you wish for! Gordon Brown must regret he ever wished to be Prime Minister. As Chancellor he allowed the Country to sleepwalk unprepared and overheated  into the worst financial storm in memory, while he schemed and bullied his way into Number 10. As PM he allowed the Labour party to sleepwalk into political oblivion. Gordon has never had the talent to succeed in either job; a triumph of ego and arrogance over ability. Now his own Ministers are jumping ship as fast as they can and demanding that Gordon Brown should resign, The upside to all this is that it's like a great clearance sale of damage goods. Many of those ethically vapid MPs who allowed power to slowly corrupt them into participating in the great expenses scandal will go. Let's hope that a new breed of politician emerges who understand the ethical dimensions of leadership.

So Anthony Steen can't be quite so "batty" (see below). He's hanging on until the election before he skulks off in shame (lol) so that he gets his golden goodbye worth an estimated £32,000. We're all just jealous aren't we, and we have every faith in his integrity. 

This can't be right; MPs can avoid paying huge sums in capital gains tax by claiming one home as their main home for capital gains tax and a different main home to claim expenses. However, on the other hand a mother is going to Court for allegedly providing a false address in an attempt to get her young son into a leading state school. Why isn't Hazel Blears facing Court? Effectively, the same sin, but different justice!

The allegations and revelations regarding MPs' expenses continue in the Daily Telegraph. The difficulty in fixing this problem is how to identify who is responsible; simply they all are. All MP's colluded in this use of the expenses system to enhance their incomes and thus avoid the challenge of having to ask the public for a pay increase. It's akin to a culture of employees pilfering from the stores in a factory. If everyone does it, no one dare tell otherwise they're all for it. Then when they get caught they offer to put the stolen goods back. We'd all be sacked and/or go to court for that. I see nothing wrong with paying  MPs a decent salary if they are up to the job. So it's great that David Cameron is opening up the Tory candidate selection process. Maybe we'll get some new MPs with decent ethical standards.

Anthony Steen's 'completely unacceptable interview'  on Radio 4 says it all; he appears to have no idea of the concept of MP's demonstrating high ethical standards nor of accountability to the electorate. He tops the outrageous responses list. Steen's website boasts that he "conceals a deceptively shrewd mind behind an appearance of endearing battiness." He certainly conceals it well. Matt has him off to a tee.

Petition Gordon Brown to resign, here!

"A leader is best when people barely know he exists. Not so good when people obey and acclaim him. Worse when they despise him. If you fail to honour people, they fail to honour you"           Lao-Tzu 

Parliament is an essential part of UK politics. Its main roles are:

The two-House system
The business of Parliament takes place in two Houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Checking the work of government
Parliament examines and challenges the work of government.

Legislation
Parliament is responsible for approving new laws (legislation).

Debate
Both Houses hold debates in which Members discuss government policy, proposed legislation and current issues.

Rules and customs
The origins of Parliament go back to the 13th century, so there are many rules about how it runs.

Traditions of Parliament
A number of traditions are involved in the working of Parliament.

Parliament and government
Parliament and government both play a part in forming the laws of the United Kingdom.

Parliament and Crown
Along with the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the Crown is an integral part of the institution of Parliament.

Devolved Parliaments and Assemblies
UK devolution created a national Parliament in Scotland, a national Assembly in Wales and a national Assembly in Northern Ireland.

Europe
The UK is one of 27 member states of the European Union and is subject to European Union (EU) legislation.