Petition to reduce MP wages to £67.50

[NicholasTeakozy]

Link here After the crap they've pulled it's the least we can do.

[ironman]

I agree with the petition, but don't the MP's have to vote for this? It's like asking the Mafia to investigate their own crimes!

[CogitoErgoSometimes]

Fantastic idea. Let's make absolutely sure that the only people who can afford to be MPs are those who have independent wealth or are supported by influential sponsors. That should really improve the diversity and integrity of the Commons...

[MiniTheMinx]

Just as the DWP have ensured that "only people of independent wealth or are supported by wealthy sponsors" can afford to live after being forced into various schemes where they are exploited for the sum of £67.50pw + travel

one of the Tory back bench spoke on Radio four last week making the case that the their salary should rise by something like 33%.

[CogitoErgoSometimes]

That's not a valid argument Mini. If an MP is sacked and finds themselves out of work for a long period of time they would eventually be expected to participate in the work programme.

[Fuchzia]

Agree with whatt Cogito said its about a bit more than being able to live isn't it? It's about a society free from cronyism and patronage. Key demand of the Chartists wasn't it?

[MiniTheMinx]

I'm just making the point that MPs know that it is impossible to have any dignity and live on 67.50 a week.

As regards getting MPs into the house that represent ordinary people you need to look not an MPs salaries and exp which are way above average but at how the parties are funded.

[BeanJuice]

Should be also send them off to warzones to fight every now and then so they know how hard it is for soldiers?

[BeanJuice]

we, not be, sorry

[ArtigeneAuberchoke]

Would you do the same to every civil servant too? There is no way they would be paid more than the ministers they serve.

Being an MP is a hideous job: long hours, constant scrutiny, working far from family, family left in constituency often hassled daily, legislative work very technical and hard to understand, little credit for what goes right but a lot of blame when things go wrong. Why anyone chooses to be an MP is beyond me.

[AThingInYourLife]

I agree with Cogito.

This is a deeply stupid idea.

[ginmakesitallok]

Or maybe we could just chose different MPs the next time we vote?

[kilmuir]

Agree with Artigene.
Absolute nonsense. They are working for their money. Thankless job.
Put yourself forward if you fancy the job.

[HecateWhoopass]

I don't think the aim of the petition is to actually reduce their wages. That would never happen. It wouldn't matter if there were a billion signatures on an internet petition - they would never reduce their wages!

I suspect (although I don't know, but it makes more sense to me) it is more to make people think. Is this reasonable. Are we being fair. Particularly when you put it together with the treatment of people with disabilities (yes ATOS, I am thinking of you!)

[AThingInYourLife]

There are so many good, solid arguments against workfare.

Why confuse the issue by linking it to MPs' pay?

It provides no clarity, makes no useful point, and just comes across as more spiteful attacks on public representatives.

Decent pay for MPs is basic to democracy. It was one of the Chartists' demands.

It would suit the companies benefitting from workfare, and the richer members of parliament quite well if we cut MPs' pay like that.

It is a stupid, stupid petition.

[NicholasTeakozy]

Let's not forget that MPs are paid almost three times the average wage and are calling for an increase of 32%, all whilst Gidiot is increasing benefits by only 1% pa for all. And they have the audacity to declaim "we're all in this together".

I agree that MPs should be well paid, but putting them on NMW for a month, or on JSA, would soon see rates increase when they see how difficult it is to even survive on £71pw or £6.02ph.

[CogitoErgoSometimes]

Are many people trying to survive independently on £71/week or £6.02 per hour or would they also be in receipt of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Tax Credits and other top-ups? Not trying to start a fight or saying that this results in a lavish lifestyle but am under the impression that the main category of claimant/worker genuinely trying to survive on the bare minimum will be those not paying rent and with no dependants. e.g. younger people still living at home.

[AThingInYourLife]

"putting them on NMW for a month, or on JSA, would soon see rates increase when they see how difficult it is to even survive on £71pw or £6.02ph."

The people who are making these decisions at the moment would barely be affected by only getting £71pw for a month.