Public servants on public transport? Oh the humanity!

So, MPs are unhappy with the new expenses system?

A couple of quotes appear in this story that I’d like to respond to. Firstly, to the minister who feels they’re being treated like benefits claimants. No you’re not, you’re being treated like an employee who has abused a system that was put in place to help you do your job. You’re now having to justify your expenses – just like everyone else in the country. There’s no such thing as a free lunch, and – thanks to the way your profession have dealt with things in the past – you’re having to learn this the hard way.

And to the minister who was complaining that she can’t get a taxi before 11pm, of course you can. But, again like the rest of us, you’re going to have to pay for it yourself. If however you choose to opt for public transport then I suggest you put pressure on your party to improve safety. And if you’re in the Labour Party then you know who to blame. You’ve had 13 years to address this. Now you know how the rest of us feel, except you don’t have the same level of impotence to prevent tragedy that we have.

The new expenses process is a fantastic step forward. Ministers are now experiencing similar difficulties that their constituents have faced for years. No longer molly coddled, maybe now we can see real improvements to public transport, public safety, and the “it’s my right” attitude that has permeated the Houses of Parliament for too long.

Bless their little cotton socks.

(Hat tip to Old Holborn for the linky poos!)

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