To Think Ian Hislop has nailed it - Corruption

[daimbarsatemydogsbone]

Ian Hislop has been giving evidence to a parliamentary committee -

It's 25 mins long but these are the highlights for me -

Hislop at 2.58

"Again I think the public is very sick of being taken for fools at the moment"

Hislop at 7.37

"Why do you have to explain to a new MP that he shouldn't lobby for a company that's taking government contracts? Why isn't that blatantly obvious?"

Sir Bernard Jenkin then goes on to try and liken it to compliance training that financial companies do.

So here's the thing - 99% of us who have to do that fucking stupid training know it's just the company covering their arse so when someone sticks their fingers in the till the company can say it wasn't their fault.

99% of us can see when MPs are being given cash and gifts that the donors want something back - we don't need a fucking training programme for that.

Oh please let him provoke someone to organise a special fraud squad to chase ppe corruption and furlough fraud. They could use the existing second world war usury law. They wouldn't be writing off the billions of lost tax payers money if it cost them personally.

There's a simple question anyone needs to ask themselves when accepting a gift (even on behalf of another):

If I take it, will I feel a sense of obligation to return the favour in some way?

It's simple. No philosophy, moral argument or a committee needed.

Ian Hislop is quite right, businesses only spend money if they think it will be an investment. Business only operates to make profit.

Therefore when MPs accept any form of gift or remuneration from a business it is clear the business WILL expect (demand) a return.

They wouldn’t be so keen to put up our NI by 10% if they had to hand over 10% on everything they have…