MPs demand right to travel first class, do you think that is fair?

Question

"MPs have demanded the right to first class train travel in a move that threatens to reignite the expenses row."

On this occasion I think it's fair enough.

If I was in the same carriage as my MP, he would not get a minute to do any work other than answer questions from one of his constituents.

Your thoughts.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/7386502/MPs-demand-right-to-travel-first-class.html

Answer 1

I think they should travel second class like the rest of the working classes. They should be setting an example for the rest of us. They do have tables and people can and do work while they travel in second class. I do not see the problem.

Answer 2

MPs can already claim first travel on expenses, providing it is for the purposes of travel between his constituency and the House of Commons (or at least they could before Legg). This to me is a perfectly reasonable expense. Not all MPs make use of it, some only travel standard class, and some refuse to claim travel expenses at all.



I say it is perfectly reasonable to pay them travelling because if we don't, then the MPs who live farthest from London are penalised, and lose more of their salary, making pay unequal, skewed in favour of London MPs who would get to keep all their money, while an MP from Scotland, the north of England, Wales, Northern Ireland etc, would have to pay out thousands of pounds, therefore ordinary people would not wish to stand as candidates in those places.



It is reasonable to pay first class because it is possible to reduce the cost by paying a season ticket or getting an early booking, and those on longer journeys can use the first class accommodation to perhaps use their laptop etc on the journey.



Democracy costs money. Accept it.



Some MPs haven't helped by saying things like "they don't want to mix with standard class passengers", but really it makes sense.

Answer 3

I would like to see a common sense policy applied.



I used to work for a Croydon based company - I live in Nottingham, if they gave me enough notice and I could book in advance I used to travel first class at a cost of around £70 return to London a standard ticket cost £55. If I needed to book a day or two in advance I used to get a standard ticket but that cost around £120 return.



I dont have a problem with MP's booking in advance and travelling first class - I do if they wait until a day or so before travelling when the cost is high.

Answer 4

I too on this occasion agree that the MP's should travel 1st class whilst doing 'MP' business. They are in a position where it's important to travel unmolested by people like us that might distract them away from their going about their routine daily MP business. I understand that they should be afforded the travel in reasonable comfort. HOWEVER, I don't believe that they should have their entire entourage accompanying them in the 1st class though. You know what I mean.... Mum Dad, golfing mates, wife, 3 kids etc..... and they should only get 1st class free travel whilst on 'parliamentary' business. If they're not on business, then they should travel at their own expense like the rest of us poor people have to.

Answer 5

I think we should subsidise, but not fully pay for first class tickets. They are not all going to be working all the time that they are in First class, so just like a self-employed person can claim a percentage of their telephone or car against work, so should politicians receive a percentage refund, but not all of it.

Answer 6

No. People are still quite angry about the news of their pay increase also. They do not seem to have much respect for the electorate.

Answer 7

I don't suppose they have cattle trucks anymore ?