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 20 July 2008 07:58 BST

Commons loses battle over MPs' expenses

Friday, 16 May 2008 10:38
The House of Commons has lost its high court battle
The House of Commons has lost its court battle over a decision to force the disclosure of MPs' expenses.

The High Court today ruled against MPs being able to keep details of their second home expenses out of the public domain.

An original ruling by the Informational Tribunal ordering 14 MPs, including prime minister Gordon Brown, to reveal the numbers was blocked when a Commons group led by speaker Michael Martin said it could constitute a security risk.

The Information Tribunal ruling, which followed a freedom of information request, would have included MPs addresses with their expenses on the home.

The information that has been released about MPs spending has provoked widespread public anger, with Michael Martin's wife alone claiming £4,139 on taxi.

Parliamentary standards chief John Lyon ruled that level of spending was "reasonable" on Wednesday.

Under the 'additional costs allowance', MPs can claim £23,000 a year towards their second residence.

The group of MPs challenging the request can now appeal against the decision.End of story


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