Parliamentary Pairing, (Conspiracy to Fraud)

Institutional Fiddling

Pairing is an arrangement where an MP of one party agrees with an MP of an opposing party not to vote in a particular division. This gives both MPs the opportunity not to attend and to fiddle their expesses.

Pairing is an informal arrangement, however, and is not recognised by the House of Commons' rules. Such arrangements have to be registered with the currupt whips, for a back hander, who check that the agreement is stuck to.

Pairing is not allowed in divisions of great political importance but pairings can last for months or years and tonight has been a prime example.

Corruption in parliament has to be stamped out