Top news today: Scottish independence, honours and MPs’ expenses
Author: James Graham
Published on Sep 07, 2012
The Scottish and UK governments are reported to be close to an agreement on the independence referendum, while MP’s expenses are published and the controversy around giving ex-ministers honours continues.
MPs' expenses bill rises by a quarter to almost £90m - the latest quarterly report of MP’s expenses have been published. Overall claims have increased, although the usual caveats that these figures include travel and staff costs apply. Is the current expenses system for MPs fair?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/sep/06/mps-expenses-bill-rises-quarter
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9520959/MPs-expenses-claims-rise-by-a-quarter-in-a-year.html
Deal close on single-question Scottish referendum - talks between the Scottish Secretary Michael Moore and the Scottish minister in charge of overseeing the referendum Nicola Sturgeon have been described as “positive” as the two governments inch closer to an agreement. Should the referendum ask a simple “yes/no” question or should there be a third option?
http://www.scotsman.com/the-scotsman/scottish-independence-scotland-on-course-for-a-single-question-on-the-referendum-1-2510776
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/9526530/Deal-close-on-single-question-Scottish-referendum.html
PM criticised for giving honours to sacked men – but not women - the row over the reshuffle and the government’s commitment to equality rages on. Regardless of whether giving honours to ex-ministers is justified, is it fair for Cameron to exclude all female ministers from the deal?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/sep/06/cameron-honours-ministers-attacked