Leicestershire MPs shun long holidays

By [thall] terry hall

MPs say they will be shunning luxury cruises and long trips abroad to spend time focusing on their constituents.

Parliament breaks up for the summer today and MPs are not due to return until October 12.

However, politicians will come under the spotlight to ensure they are not just taking a three-month holiday following the expenses row.

David Babbs, executive director of political campaign group 38 Degrees, said: "People's trust in politicians is lower now than ever and with their summer holidays longer than school children's, we need to make sure that our MPs aren't spending the break topping up their tans or their bank balances.

"We want them to work hard to deal with problems in their local area, and get to know the people they represent."

The list of destinations for the county's MPs include Corfu, Yorkshire, Devon and Norfolk.

Charnwood MP Stephen Dorrell is taking the most time off out of the MPs we spoke with, going on a two-week family holiday to Corfu.

He said: "Away from the holiday I will be splitting my time between my constituency and my uniforms business. MPs should be as visual as possible at the moment after the expenses row.

"There is an absence of trust and we need to get that back.

"It is a chance to get things done in my area. We can do more for our voters during recess than we can do in Parliament."

Sir Peter Soulsby, MP for Leicester South, will spend a week in a Yorkshire cottage and says he will focus the rest of his time on dealing with constituents.

He said: "The idea that we only work in the Commons is daft.

"I don't look at this as time off. It's a chance to catch up with work that needs doing and to keep in touch with the people of South Leicestershire."

Blaby MP Andrew Robathan will be spending a week at his sister's cottage in Devon, and hopes to go hiking round Yorkshire with his son.

He will also visit wind farms in the county following proposals to install turbines between Swinford and Gilmorton.

But he believes the time away from Parliament is too long.

He said: "When you have legislation to scrutinise I don't think it should be rushed through. It would make much more sense if recess was much shorter."

Edward Garnier, MP for Harborough, is planning a 10-day break with his wife, but he will use the remainder of his time dealing with constituents and carrying out work as the shadow minister for justice.

Bosworth MP David Tredinnick will be going on a week-long windsurfing holiday with his family.

David Taylor, MP for North West Leicestershire, plans to spend six days in Norfolk and focus the rest of his time on local issues.

Patricia Hewitt, Andy Reed and Keith Vaz were unavailable for comment.

Alan Duncan, MP for Rutland and Melton, told the Mercury his summer holiday plans were "none of your business".