General update on publication and reform of MPs' expenses

I have watched in dismay and astonishment the revelations about how some MPs have used the allowances system, following the leak of claims details to the Daily Telegraph.

These have been dark days for our democracy brought on ourselves collectively by everyone in Parliament. I can only apologise!

Last year I was involved in the review of members' allowances which recommended big reductions in the scope and scale of the overnight expenses allowance. Unfortunately our plans were defeated in the Commons, with many leading Government members helping block them. I bet they wish now that they had grasped the nettle when they had the chance!

Since the scandal broke a few weeks ago, the independent Committee on Standards in Public Life - chaired by Sir Christopher Kelly - has embarked on its own full scale review of expenses. It will report in the autumn.

In the meantime the Speaker brought together party leaders and the House of Commons Commission, on which I serve, to agree some interim measures pending the Kelly committee's report:

• a £1,250-a-month cap on mortgage interest and (new) rental payments

• only rent, hotel bills, mortgage interest, subsistence, council tax, utilities and insurance allowed

• a ban on 'flipping' between first and second homes

• no more claims for furnishings, electrical goods, cleaning and stamp duty

• MPs who are couples must nominate the same main home and only claim one allowance

• all claims will be published quarterly online

• MPs must declare openly if their capital gains tax exemption is on their "claimed" home