Corruption runs far deeper than fiddling MPs’ expenses

[sullivan]

By Stuart Littlewood

1 June 2009

Stuart Littlewood argues that the expenses scandal engulfing British Members of Parliament is nothing compared to the fact that supporters of Israel are embedded at all levels in the fabric of British political life and at the heart of the government, including at the core of the security establishment.

UK politicians are currently reeling from a public lashing for fiddling their expenses big-time. Such is their arrogance that many, when confronted with their crimes, don't see that they have done anything wrong.

The guilty ones who step down will be further enriched with a lavish resettlement allowance and a big pension pot.

To appease voters' anger Parliament and government are now promising anti-sleaze reforms. They are calling on the impressive-sounding Committee on Standards in Public Life to investigate and make recommendations. Conservative leader David Cameron, who has expectations of becoming the next British prime minister, talks of purging his party of its cheats and racketeers.

But swindling the taxpayer over MPs' expenses is nothing compared to other corruption that's rife in Westminster. It is said that becoming a Friend of Israel is a necessary stepping-stone to high office. As a result, supporters of that foreign power are embedded at all levels in the fabric of British political life and at the heart of the government.

Eighteen months ago a group of concerned academics wrote to the Standards Committee complaining about Israel's "deep penetration" of our political system and how it prevented Britain from taking a principled stand on Middle East affairs, including the Iraq war and the never-ending violations of Palestinian human rights. They asked the committee to consider the activities of the Friends of Israel as a matter for urgent investigation.

The chairman, Sir Christopher Kelly, refused. Why? He wouldn't say. But some members of his committee were found to have close links with Friends of Israel. Even this inner sanctum of British correctness and fair play is compromised.

Read the remainder of the article at redress.cc