bridge too far

Rather than sweeping generalisations, why not have a look at the facts from here: http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2013/may/27/mps-jobs-interests-full-list-data Analysis by the Guardian reveals 20 MPs made more money from their outside jobs than they did from their Parliamentary salary, with some spending more than 1,000 hours engaging in outside employment. Of those, 17 declared more than £100,000 in income ... In total, Conservative MPs declared more than £4.3m in earnings from outside directorships or jobs, versus £2.4m (including Gordon Brown's £1.36m) for Labour. More than 50 MPs had directorships of at least one company, while 295 declared at least some kind of minimal earnings from outside work.

Two noms!!!!!! I'm chuffed xx

I think it might help if some people re-read the link that Trousers posted. Here it is again: http://www.theguardian.com/money/2008/dec/13/parliament-careers-working-life-mp-jobs It's worth remembering that MPs have two jobs in effect - as representatives / committee members in the HoC and as constituent MPs holding surgeries in their constituencies. Most people who have 2 places of work for one employer get their travel expenses paid and I see no reason why that shouldn't be the case for MPs. I remember fondly that dear old Dennis Skinner claimed the least amount in expenses, however and hasn't missed a single sitting of the Commons.

I understand that they won't be that much better off as they'll lose a lot of the benefits (they'll pay more for their pensions and won't get a lump sum if they lose their seat) and they'll be more accountable to their constituents - according to this article http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-25344188 I would be concerned if being an MP became a prerogative of the independently wealthy and therefore unrepresentative of the general population but I do think it's incredibly bad timing ATM.

Shouldn't that be 'Phlegming'?

Being serious just for a mo, it has just become illegal in Enfield! http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/25297289

Love this bit from the Mail: "His other two strikes were from close in but he could have had double, with Pompey goalkeeper Alex Bass – incredibly their best player –" Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2521833/After-Walcott-Bale-Lallana-Shaw-generation-Saints-players-making-themselves.html#ixzz2nAmMTNkS Says a lot about the quality of the rest of their team

Well, the tinpot cesspit is only worth Buttons

Every time they boast about their glorious achievements, we all shout 'Oh no you didn't'?

You do! When we sold our house this time last year, we had to produce all the gas and electrical certificates pertaining to the new kitchen we'd put in 2 years earlier.

Good news if they're full time, permanent jobs with proper contracts. However: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-25297504 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25287068

Has anyone ever stayed here? I've always wanted to because it's such a stunning building and in one of my favourite parts of London. http://www.hotelrusselllondon.co.uk/offers/20-off-when-you-book-direct/?gclid=CLGhnbOrobsCFSoUwwodwjIAkg

Agree entirely. His delivery is not good but the tenet of what he says is bang on.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25232078 I think they're bluffing - two managers mentioned who are currently under contract.

The one about 'which' and 'that'. I was always taught that 'which' should be used for people and 'that' for objects.

Christmas present from Mrs Pedantic http://m.staples.ca/sbdca/en_CA/cre/programs/grammarquiz/#.Up9_psvsZxv.facebook I scored 96% but I still maintain I gave a correct answer where the setter said I didn't

This might win him a few votes

Why?

The clue is in the bit of the question "wound up my clock"?

Going off at a tangent, but nonetheless germane to the discussion I think, is this article about Iceland. It's quite long and is mainly about the lack of violence in the country but it does make observations about Icelandic society and how there are no concerns about class. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25201471

I've just posted a comment on the local newspaper article, reminding Oxford fans of Pompey's glorious past, sound financial footing, wonderful ground etc etc I actually think this is a bit of posturing by Wilder because he's only got 6 months left on his contract. In any event, Oxford wouldn't get compo so I'm baffled too.

It depends on how you define a perfect society. It's an oft-reported fact that the happiest societies are those where the gap between rich and poor is narrow. In the UK, that gap is widening quickly. No-one would disagree that some are born more intelligent, athletic etc. but the sad fact is that many of those so born don't get the opportunity to exploit their talents.

No Socialist would subscribe to this. What s/he would say is that everyone should have an equal chance in life. Vastly different.

But they couldn't have signed him anyway, could they? They'd have to have paid compensation and I didn't think they were allowed to do that

Although it seems that Mrs Thatcher managed to avoid Inheritance Tax on her London mansion so I imagine it's unlikely her dependents would need support from the welfare stste http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/margaret-thatcher-tax-shock-12m-2866929