SCOTTISH National Party leader Alex Salmond today called for a debate on what he described was the “marketplace for honours which has been established by this Government.
SCOTTISH National Party leader Alex Salmond today called for a debate on what he described was the “marketplace for honours which has been established by this Government.”
Mr Salmond claimed that 80p of every £1 donated by individuals to Labour Party coffers came from people who were subsequently ennobled or knighted.
He accused the Government of debasing the political process “in a manner that would make Lloyd George blush” - the early 20th century Party Prime Minister notoriously handed out hereditary peerages and other honours in exchange for financial contributions to the Liberal Party.
In parliamentary exchanges at lunch time, Commons Leader Geoff Hoon said he was surprised Mr Salmond had not given the Government credit for its efforts to set up an independent system of appointments.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here