Venal bastards

I admit to having had a former MP’s pass giving me access to the Palace of Westminster. I have used it two or three times a year since 2010. This confession has been forced out of me by an article in the Guardian this morning which says the ‘Use of passes by former MPs ‘is vulnerable to abuse.’’ This is because former MPs are ‘given access to the corridors of power.’ There is justification for concern when two MPs—both Tories—each used their passes over 80 times in one year. I think they have some explaining to do. But there is also an anomaly in that the ‘corridors of power’ are generally located across the road in Whitehall. Any corridor of power in Westminster, e.g. those where MPs' offices are located, are off limits to former MPs, unless their occupants invite them in. And serving MPs can invite anyone they like to meet them in their offices. So it would be a bit odd for any ex-MP lobbyist worth their salt to use their pass to gain entry merely on the off-chance of meeting their target. They meet by appointment. The big advantage of an ex-MPs pass is that it allows them to skip the public security queue. It should be remembered that the Houses of Parliament are still public buildings, and you don’t need an appointment to gain entry. Personally, I enjoy a return visit every now and then. I see no point in any secrecy about it (House authorities originally opposed publication of the use of passes), and I hope if there are a few ex-MPs abusing the privilege that their passes be withdrawn. There’s always bad eggs. The two Tories should be thoroughly investigated and if it is found that they used their passes in any way to further a monetary interest, their own or anyone else’s, they should be dealt with. All their behaviour does is increase the public perception that MPs, even ex-MPs, are a bunch of venal bastards eager to abuse their status.