UK Parliamentary Privilege extinct!

Britain's House of Commons is no longer a safe place to conduct business contrary to the Government's agenda. It isn't a safe place to be an MP anymore, to be blunt. The Independent reports how gradually, since 2000, Labour has eroded the inviolability of Westminster, and how it prepares to deliver its final blow with the new Political Parties and Elections Bill.

[The Political Parties and Elections Bill] would extend the authority of Electoral Commission inspectors – or police on their behalf – to give them access to MPs' offices as part of any investigation of alleged breaches of funding regulations. The only authorisation required would be a "disclosure notice" issued by the commission itself.

The Bill also permits the watchdog's inspectors to enter the homes and offices of MPs and anyone who has donated to a political party, if there is a "reasonable suspicion" of a breach of the rules. A magistrate's warrant is required but no prior notice will be given and parliamentary authorities would not be consulted in advance.

In both cases, it would be a criminal offence not to assist the inspectors or to obstruct entry. The Commons Speaker would thus be breaking the law if he refused entry, with or without a warrant.

Let me get this clear: if you donate to the Opposition the politicized police force can bully you just because they SUSPECT you may have breached the rules. They can bust into an MP's office without a warrant for any reason.

Parliament has to be a fortress. It must have its own police force, accountable to the Sergeant at Arms and Black Rod. No law enforcement officer from outside should be granted access to the premises under any circumstance. MPs should be free to say whatever they want in the House (yes, even if it's false). If an MP used his or her Parliamentary office for anything beyond his scope as MP then he or she should be sacked without further ado. Labour's meddling with Parliamentary privilege spells the end of the Westminster system as we know it.