Letter: Behaviour of MPs

From Dr John Beaven

Sir: Nothing demonstrates more the need for an independent ethical body to scrutinise the behaviour of MPs and government ministers than the row regarding the Home Secretary's alleged conduct regarding the dismissal of the director of prisons.

That the Home Secretary would be "cleared" by his Conservative parliamentary colleagues was not in doubt. Neither was it likely that the truth would emerge about the allegations in Parliament.

This has left the Home Secretary in a weakened position with an inadequate opportunity to clear his name, should he be innocent of all allegations made against him. An independent ethical body would address these issues, remove the party points-scoring system of "justice" regarding alleged misconduct of Members of Parliament and restore public confidence in our politicians.

Yours sincerely,

John Beaven

Glossop, Derbyshire