MP to meet constituents
20th May 2009
It is my intention to publish all my expenses as early as is legally possible, once the Parliamentary authorities have cleared them.
As MP for Aberavon and employer of my staff I am totally committed to comply with the Freedom of Information Act and the Data Protection Act. I owe an obligation to my staff and local businesses whose private bank and credit card details have been stolen and should therefore not be exposed to potential fraudsters on the internet.
Above all I owe it to my constituents to be as transparent, open and responsible as possible. I have never believed that MPs should determine their own pay and conditions and that is why I welcome the independent review by Sir Christopher Kelly whose recommendations should be published as soon as possible and implemented in their entirety. Nothing short of this would undermine our Parliamentary Democracy.
The resignation of the Speaker Michael Martin has now cleared the way for a fresh start. We need a new reforming Speaker committed to open-ness, fairness and the assertion of the power of Parliament on behalf of the people.
I welcome the statement of the Prime Minister when he calls for an independent scrutiny of MPs expenses and their repaying where there has been any wrong claims. I also welcome the agreement of all Parties to reform the system of expenses.
I will be available at the week-end in my constituency office to discuss any issues which constituents wish to raise.
I will be at Eagle House, 2 Talbot Road, Port Talbot on
Friday 22nd May 5 pm – 7 pm
and Saturday 23rd May 10 am and 12 noon.
