Andrew Dismore and rules guiding MPs on hospitality
Andrew Dismore, Labour MP for Hendon, knows more than most about the intractable problems that have beset the divided island of Cyprus for half a decade.
He must tread carefully - he has many constituents of both the Greek republic of Cyprus and the island's internationally un-recognised Turkish republic.
But it appears he may have failed to tread carefully enough through the jungle of rules guiding MPs on lobbying and transparency when they receive hospitality from foreign countries.
The BBC reported yesterday that he was among more than 20 MPs who breached guidelines by failing to fully declare these trips when making parliamentary interventions relating to countries.
Mr Dismore is said to have failed to register an interest with 96 of 200 questions and 24 out of 27 early day motions he submitted.
He says the omissions were because a declaration wasn't 'relevant', he has not lobbied for either Cypriot government, and there has been no improper use of his position or taxpayers' money.
So far he faces no action from his local party and no complaint has been made to the parliamentary authorities.
I'm BBC London's political editor and presenter of the London section of the Politics Show. Here I'll be identifying the key talking points during the election campaign and trying to offer a reality check to the many promises that you'll hear up to polling day. Your thoughts welcome.
Comments