MPs tax returns

is this not a classic case of a distraction story. Today the BBC is carrying reports of our soldiers now officially coming under the command of the Americans.

What I would expect is for Tony Blair, remember him, should make a comment about the sacrifice of all those who have died. I would also expect Gordon Brown to formally acknowledge what I regard as the fact that this has actually been a disaster, for which he was the paymaster, and that never again will it happen.

Maybe Miss Smith would like to explain to the parents and relatives of the various military personnel who have lost their lives fighting for democracy what they have actually suffered for. So that MPs can have access to the sort of expenses denied to the mass of the population.

Finally, I wonder if the MPs actually have to declare the expenses for which they have claimed to the Inland Revenue on their tax returns. I cannot understand how a sink and a plug is a justifiable expense, because I consider that it is a benefit in kind, and therefore subject to tax. Either that or do MPs not pay taxes the same as us. Cannot wait until they have to declare their Capital Gains Tax liabilities on their main/second homes. I don't only want to see their expenses, I also want to see their tax returns.