An MP has again admitted their role in theft and fraud from public funds and has got the full support of the Prime Minister in their actions.

This has shown the hypocrisy and contempt of politicians and parliament in general to the people that elected them and whose money has been pilfered. This government has made propaganda of anyone claiming benefits as scroungers, even though most have paid into the system via National Insurance contributions, so this latest revelation means that MPs who claim expenses are also scroungers by their own definition.

Anyone who is suspected of claiming benefits illegally are investigated and, if necessary, prosecuted for fraud. If found guilty they can face a jail term which I believe should be the penalty in the case of MP fraud.

Why is this not happening? Because they judge themselves and let themselves off with a ‘slap on the wrist’.

Maria Miller was in a position of trust not only as an MP but as a Cabinet Minister. The Prime Minister’s support and lack of punitive action only goes to show how corrupt our parliamentary system has become.

M R Boon, Swindon