OK. But not this half-baked scheme?

When I said that Gordon Brown should act to deal with the scandal of MPs allowances I didn't mean he should plump for the half-baked scheme he announced today. God knows who dreamt it up but whoever it was is completely out of touch with public opinion.

Why should MPs get a daily attendance allowance on top of their pay? Who else in employment gets an additional allowance for turning up to work? This has nothing to do with need to stay overnight in London if an MP's (genuine) home is too far away. It has nothing to do with actual expenses incurred. It is just one gravy train being substituted for another.

Hopefully MPs will ignore this hopeless attempt to gain the high ground (pause for laughter) and await the outcome of the independent review.

Geoff Hoon insists he broke no rules ......

Geoff Hoon insists he broke no rules in claiming second home allowances while living in a taxpayer-funded apartment. Another Government Minister who may be following the rules but whom every decent law abiding voter thinks has his snout in the trough.

How much longer is this charade going to continue before they get a grip? The Prime Minister has said he is not interested. The Opposition is unable to say anything because they are terrified it will be proved their people are milking the system too.

Gordon should take a lead and clear up this mess once and for all.

South Downs National Park given go-ahead

This is great news for all those who have campaigned for so long to achieve national recognition for this unique and vulnerable area.

Unfortunately, local Tories (particularly West Sussex County Council) who have opposed it at every stage still do not get it. Their opposition, and that of coalition partners including landowners, was based on retaining power and control. They are still saying they want "democratic" control over planning applications. What they mean is that they want to retain control. Sorry, but they have missed the point.

A new National Park Authority will be different from what has gone before. It must put long-term protection before anything else. That doesn't mean trying to preserve the area in aspic, but changes must on balance always be for the better.

Great news! Local leaders need to wake up and smell the coffee as they say.