Peter Hain

The BBC have one of their marvellous "Have Your Say" debates on "Party funding row: Your views", they try to remind us of the George Osborne claims and so conflate them by setting the question thus:

"Gordon Brown has backed Peter Hain in the row over funding of his deputy leadership campaign, but says his fate will depend on the official inquiry. Send us your reaction. The work and pensions secretary said he was "more than happy" for inquiries into the £103,000 donations to "take their course". Shadow chancellor George Osborne is also facing questions after reportedly accepting £487,000 from donors last year without fully declaring the sum to the Register of Members' Interests. He said the Conservative Party had taken advice from House of Commons authorities. What do you make of these new developments? Should Peter Hain resign or do you support his decision to carry on? What about George Osborne? What action should be taken to reform political funding?"


The comments made are interesting. Page 1 of the reader's recommended comments currently has 15 comments, none of which even mention George Osborne (much to the BBC's dismay the public aren't buying the comparison). Every single one of the 15 is antagonistic to Peter Hain and/or the Labour government. In case these comments "disappear" I reproduce them direct from the BBC website (but with the inbetween comments messages deleted) below: (The comments do not necessarily represent my opinions)


"Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:23 GMT 12:23 UK

Peter Hain was one of the noisiest MP's when announcing the sleazy tories.

He is nothing but a hypocrite, and should resign immediately. If he cant be trusted to keep his own affairs in order, how do we as a country trust him with our state pensions system.

Bob, Cambridge


Recommended by 346 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:19 GMT 12:19 UK

I wonder what would happen if I failed to declare £100,000 income to the inland revenue: "Ooops, sorry, I meant to but I forgot" and they then reply: "Never mind, we understand".
Why are politicians above the law? Doesn't the any party have accountants to take care of these things?
And how many others are there that also don't declare contributions until someone discovers them?

B D

Recommended by 307 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:54 GMT 12:54 UK

No, he should not resign....he should be sacked immediately and never again allowed to hold any form of public office as should any other MP adjudged to be guilty of same.
We put them there so we should also expect them to be removed from office when they betray our confidence.

Tom McLaughlan, Western Isles, United Kingdom

Recommended by 282 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:33 GMT 12:33 UK

Is this the Labour Party who got into power by attacking "Tory sleaze"? This party is a a joke and the guy should resign now.

John Reynolds, Kettering, United Kingdom

Recommended by 244 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:27 GMT 12:27 UK

If Peter Hain had any sense of honour, he would have resigned already. Sadly he is following the arrogant example of Wendy Alexander in Scotland and brassing it out, thinking somehow that the electorate will forget about this through time. Shame on you Peter Hain, one time radical student who has become yet another self-serving careerist with his 'snout in the trough'.

Fergus Forfar, United Kingdom

Recommended by 232 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:24 GMT 12:24 UK

Yes I think Hain should resign. You do not 'forget' to declare over £100,000! I think the whole government should resign. It is incredible that however many times they are caught out, they just give the voters a metaphorical two fingers and brazen it out.

Joanna Jones, Twickenham

Recommended by 212 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:24 GMT 12:24 UK

He is only sorry because he has been found out!
How can anyone who makes such "mistakes" be trusted.
New Labour sleaze makes the old Tories look like saints.

[veryexpongoplod]

Recommended by 186 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:27 GMT 12:27 UK

What is there for the Commissioner to investigate ? Peter Hain has admitted that he did not declare the gifts thereby breaking the rules on MP's conduct.

Why must we wait for people like this to resign? Surely they should be sacked.

[Tim_113]

Recommended by 181 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:22 GMT 12:22 UK

We are not at the bottom of this yet. However, I am amazed that in the present climate anybody could overlook complying with the rules affecting party donations. That fact alone makes Mr Hain unsuitable for high office.

[LondonRoyBoy]

Recommended by 178 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:28 GMT 12:28 UK

Hain must resign to retain any shred of decency.
His excuses match "the dog ate my homework" or " a bigger boy did it".
To fail to register 17 donations is beyond credibilty, especially as 5 of them came from a Foundation where his election Treasurer is a Trustee.
I run a medical charity and if I fail to register just one donation I'd be in trouble.

Cotswoldopinion, Cirencester


Recommended by 167 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:34 GMT 12:34 UK

I wonder why I am not surprised that another New Labour politician is caught breaking the rules? It seems that New Labour care nothing for the rule of law and simply do what they like displaying utter contempt for the British people.

If the Tories were sleazy, and they were, they were amateurs compared with this lot.

[notahopeinhell]

Recommended by 151 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:26 GMT 12:26 UK

I wonder what would happen if I 'forgot' to declare my income on a tax return?

It is amazing what these people can get away with without any accountability.

Just let the rest of us try it!!

Another reason, if one were needed to get this bunch of incompetents out.

Sick of the lot of them


Recommended by 145 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:25 GMT 16:25 UK

The 'Tory sleaze' of the 1990's was nothing compared to the revolting arrogance and large-scale mugging of the public by this lot. The Conservatives had a few 'brown envelopes' of cash and a handful of sex scandals, this government seems intent on ruining the country and making off with the proceeds. Let's see them in the dock, they are criminals.

Andrew Howlett, Manchester

Recommended by 140 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:55 GMT 12:55 UK

Quite why anyone should want to give Hain a single penny is beyond me.

Richard Jenkins, Cambridge, United Kingdom

Recommended by 130 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:24 GMT 12:24 UK

This can only be another whitewash....we havent had the truth from this government yet.

Sidney Rotten, London "



Page 2 contains more of the same, as does page 3





Page 2:

"Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:45 GMT 16:45 UK

Actually - I find the way that these ministers 'forget' or 'overlook' things, break the law and just apologise while hanging onto their jobs, deeply offensive....

david, Cambridge


Recommended by 107 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:24 GMT 16:24 UK

Just how much more of this corrupt criminal rubbish are we supposed to take? Brown, get your disgusting crew of thieves and crooks out NOW!

Dave Fletcher, Westbury Wilts


Recommended by 104 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:54 GMT 12:54 UK

Yet another NuLabourite is caught out. Hardly surprising.

What does surprise me is the fact that come election time, there will be millions who will in effect condone all this, by voting for them again!

Just what does it take?

Francis ap Gruffydd, Wales, United Kingdom

Recommended by 99 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:26 GMT 12:26 UK

The problem is not that funding arrangements need to be reformed - the problem is that some politicians are willing to break the rules.

I am Scottish, Not British

Recommended by 99 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:25 GMT 16:25 UK

Standards in public life would improve dramatically if Hain, Harman, Alexander and co were prosecuted and imprisoned under the existing laws which they appear to have broken.

Sadly that will not happen and the laws will be "reviewed". Meanwhile the country will slide further towards being as corrupt as those African countries we are so fond of looking down our noses at. It's in all our interests to stamp out this corruption. Jail the offenders, that would be a start.

Andrew Dalziel, Aberdeen


Recommended by 85 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:26 GMT 12:26 UK

Yet another nail in NuLabour's coffin.

Do I agree with Mr Llwyd? Is the Pope Roman Catholic?

Should Mr Hain resign? See the answer above!

What action should be taken to reform political funding?

Implement a custodial sentence for liars and cheats, no exceptions.

Watt Tyler jnr

Recommended by 82 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:28 GMT 16:28 UK

MPs have good salaries and pensions - I am happy to accept that - but because they do enjoy good salaries and pensions - I expect them to to be scrupulously honest when it comes to their integrity and trust.

Peter Hain has huge question marks over whether he has either honesty or integrity. Ordinary members of the public living on low salaries are seldom given the benefit of the doubt when claiming benefit, if there appears to be an element of fraud. Mr Hain should be sacked from his post !

John DAKIN, Bristol, United Kingdom

Recommended by 81 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:53 GMT 12:53 UK

A Tory minister used to get caught with his trousers round his ankles with his mistress. That's Tory sleaze.
A Labour minister now gets caught for breaking the very electoral laws that he and his party brought in, and the Prime Minister even admits they broke the law. That's Labour sleaze.

What, I ask you, is worse?

Hain should resign. Now.

Joe, London


Recommended by 80 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:53 GMT 12:53 UK

If Hain genuinly forgot and it was an oversight it just goes to prove how incopetent the man is. He should not be in public office, the man's a disgrace! Having said that I think he fits in quite well with the rest of the government.

g s randall, herts


Recommended by 79 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:32 GMT 12:32 UK

An "innocent" or "honest" mistake is not generally accepted by the authorities when a member of the public breaks the law or fails to disclose income to, say, the Inland Revenue. Rather, the weight of the law and severe penalties follow, regardless. Either allow this as a defense for all, or allow it for none.

Mike, Clevedon


Recommended by 79 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:27 GMT 16:27 UK

If we had honest politicians (some hope!) we wouldn't need to reform political funding.

Hain should go but he shouldn't be given the option of resigning, he should be kicked out. He is unfit for public office.

Denise V, Kent

Recommended by 74 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:55 GMT 12:55 UK

When your leaders (Blair/Brown) flout the rules by selling honours and failing to properly declare loans and gifts, what do you expect the rest of them to do?

It's time for reform. MP's and political parties should not be allowed to accept ANY donation/gift/loan directly. They should ALL be routed via the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner, this would make sure that they would not be "forgotten" and would all be accounted for.

Wolf of Badenoch

Recommended by 73 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:26 GMT 16:26 UK

Never did trust the guy...remember the EU constitution being described as a 'Tidying-up exercise' ?
He should do the decent thing and resign - won't happen though.

TheVoiceOfReason, UK


Recommended by 72 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:22 GMT 16:22 UK

Sleezy NuLabour have proven that they are unfit to run this country.
Gordon Blown should resign his whole government, and call a general election.

Gordon's Blown It, London

Recommended by 71 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:52 GMT 12:52 UK

When is this hypocritical weak and shameless government going to fall on its sword and resign, it brings shame on this democratic and once proud nation.

Paul Bennett, Bognor Regis "



Page 3:

"Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:19 GMT 16:19 UK

the arrogance of Hain is breathtaking. It acts as if we should be proud that he has declared this, whereas the reality is he only declared it because he was about to be found out. Rather than behaving with integrity it shows what a grubby little politician he really is!

John, Ipswich


Recommended by 68 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:20 GMT 16:20 UK

What does a New Labour minister have to do to get the sack? I'd really like to know. They came to power on a promise to be whiter than white. What a joke!

Tony English, Rochdale, United Kingdom

Recommended by 66 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:20 GMT 16:20 UK

Well done Labour. Congratulations on showing us that you are the most competent of all politicians in your specialist field - lying, cheating, corruption, theft, cover-ups and sleaze.

Congratulations also to the Bliar for showing us that the slimier the sleaze, the bigger the pay-off. A true role model for us all - especially to children who will be quick to emulate your great 'leadership'.

Fred Hause, London

Recommended by 65 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:19 GMT 16:19 UK

The sleaze just rumbles on and on. Mr Hain said he "regrets" having not declared this money. Of that i have no doubt. You`d be amazed at how many people regret having done things after being caught. This man is in charge of a multi-billion pound department yet fails to keep tabs on £103,000? And as for blaming others is just another case of a politician trying to pass the buck. If a member of the public is caught breaking the law we are told "ignorance is no excuse ". Neither is it in this case.

[mediamogul], United Kingdom

Recommended by 65 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:56 GMT 12:56 UK

Forgetting to declare the said donations to the Electoral Commission is absolutely no excuse. If he is found to be guilty of breaking the Rules then he should of course resign. It would be better for the Labour Party in the long run to get rid of any of its ministers who think they can flout the law.

[dynamicMaureen]

Recommended by 58 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:55 GMT 16:55 UK

But this is such an elementary requirement. There is NOTHING hard or complicated about it and it is a LEGAL requirement.If you just forget to tax your car or pay your TV licence, then you would be in court. Local Political Associations have to report donations, or none, every month or the Electoral commission will take action against them and it is not believable those be involved in Politics would not be aware. New Labour placed huge emphasis on this when they introduced the Act. No Excuse.

[Freedomknight], Rayleigh, United Kingdom

Recommended by 57 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:36 GMT 12:36 UK

How different Hain's actions and attitudes are when the shoe is on the other foot!

I believe he should be made leader of the Labour party, as he embodies all of the hypocrisy and decit that they stand for.

Topsy Turvy, England, United Kingdom

Recommended by 55 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:21 GMT 16:21 UK

If I failed to declare monies to the DWP I would be prosecuted and my benefits stopped.

So whats the diffrence peter Hain? are you above laws and regulations?

[wizmyrddin]

Recommended by 54 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:47 GMT 12:47 UK

There is something quite poetic about Peter Hains predicament.

Hain is one of the most spiteful and venomous polititions of our current crop (and that is up against some stiff competition). He uses all and any excuse to throw mindless accusations of sleaze, racism and much else at his opponents without any grounds. And now he's been caught with his hands in the till. Ha!

Lets hope he's shown as much gentlemanly good grace as he has shown others...absolutely zero!

George Reddan, London, United Kingdom

Recommended by 54 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:59 GMT 16:59 UK

I wonder if our politicians still claim that British politics is remarkably free from corruption? If so, I wonder if anyone else believes that, after all these revelations of "memory lapses"?

David Hazel, Fareham, United Kingdom

Recommended by 53 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:53 GMT 12:53 UK

All politicians are sleazy, greedy & liars, and have only their own interests in mind. However, this Government has even managed to eclipse the Tory Government of the 80's & 90's in this respect, which takes some doing I may add!

Alan Davis

Recommended by 52 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:47 GMT 12:47 UK

I'd be interested to know what other lines of work enable you to break the rules and keep your job without any punishment? I know that if I break rules where I work I'd either be sacked for gross misconduct or at the very least put on a disciplinary where if I make any further errors I can be sacked. It is absolutely obvious that MP's are not only incompetent they are able to maintain positions of power while treating rules and regulations with utter contempt.

Peter W, Manchester, United Kingdom

Recommended by 52 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:27 GMT 12:27 UK

Mr Hain is the latest in a very long line of politicians who has breached the rules on disclosure .

Like our ferral youth , who escape punishment and re-offend , until some sanctions are applied , our leaders will continue to ignore propriety and good practise ....this makes you realise the scale of what is happening within the EU , where noone is watching them..

Arthur Smedley, Carshalton Beeches,Surrey, United Kingdom

Recommended by 51 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:59 GMT 16:59 UK

I fully agree with Mr Llwyd that Mr Hain should resign. Politicians are the nation's lawmakers, and therefore have a primary responsibilty to uphold "their" laws at all times. To profess ignorance is absolutely no excuse and it shows very poor judgement on Mr Hain's part that he does not have the good grace to resign immediately.

George Simnett, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Recommended by 48 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:58 GMT 16:58 UK

For the furtherance of his own career and self-aggrandisement, Hain knowingly accepted the work load of two departments. Therefore, work overload can not mitigate or excuse nreaking the rules to the extent of £100,000. It beggars belief that someone of his experience could make such a mistake. Whether or not the excuse is true, he should resign at once, leaving him and the government once more in abject disgrace.

John Robinson, Barnstaple, United Kingdom "



Page 4:

"Added: Saturday, 12 January, 2008, 07:59 GMT 07:59 UK

This is just another example of the most corrupt government we have ever had. They treat the electorate with contempt, no one resigns whatever the scandal, and they are still trying to blame everyone else for their failure over the last ten years. Hain being supported by Brown is no surprise, Brown needs all the support he can get and if yet another corrupt politician can be kept in office to support Brown, Brown will do all he can to support him

Ray, Bridgnorth


Recommended by 44 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:19 GMT 16:19 UK

How can Peter Hain be trusted to run two government departmenst when he can't run his own election campaign within the rules?

As a business owner and tax payer I have to jump through regulations imposed by these people otherwise I get charged automatically. I can't claim innocent mistakes and get away scot free.

We need some serious penalties imposed on these people (any party) to wake them up to the the fact the rules apply to them as well.

Martin, Beeston


Recommended by 43 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:53 GMT 16:53 UK

He takes full responsibility for what happened. So presumable he expects we should draw a line under the matter and move on las we have with all the other scandals this government has had.

It's going to take a gaol sentence to teach them a lesson.

david, ely


Recommended by 42 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 15:04 GMT 15:04 UK

It defies credibilty that Mr Hain's failure to declare was an "innocent oversight".

In November '07, following extraordinary revelations of irregularities re loans/donations to a number of Labour/Cabinet members, Mr Hain took it upon himself to investigate his 'accounts'. He quickly announced he had omitted to declare £5,000 as a result of an "administrative error".

It appears now that, despite that investigation, he failed to establish that he had a further undeclared £100k. Credible?

d maurer, london


Recommended by 41 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:18 GMT 16:18 UK

One of the most oily, despicable New Labour non-entities around. He's never been slow demanding the head of Conservatives in the past.

What other laws is he too busy to comply with? Speeding? Tax? If his ministerial duties are too onerous for him to comply with the laws of the land then either he's got too much on his plate and he should have the sense to say so or he's too stupid too realise this.

As for the PM having complete confidence in Hain...... heaven help us

Jock, Shrewsbury


Recommended by 39 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:43 GMT 12:43 UK

Like many, I'm cynical about this. I don't buy the "Sorry I forgot" line and he should not only be sacked as a minister, but also forced to go to his constituents and let them decide whether he should keep his MPs job or not. This equally applies to all polititians caught lying, cheating etc, they should all have to be re-elected as MPs!

[Anthony_rat], England

Recommended by 39 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:24 GMT 16:24 UK

what is worse?

That he "forgot" to declare the donations to his dep leader fund?

or that at least 2 of the donations were to the party and the donors did not know (despite claims they consented) that the monies were transferred to hains dep leader campaign?

if the donors are telling the truth then Hain stole the money from the party.

john davis, Motherwell, United Kingdom

Recommended by 38 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 14:47 GMT 14:47 UK

The arrogance of this government astounds me. Time & time again they are found out with irregular financial dealings or worse and everytime they say "I've done nothing wrong".

It would appear that they are not cases of "did not know better" so much as "did not care either way and will brazen it out if caught anyway".

Paul Warren, Barking

Recommended by 38 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:40 GMT 12:40 UK

Why is so much money needed for an internal party election? Surely a mail shot to party members setting out your aims and values and a few train fares to address meetings would leave you a lot of change from £100K.

It's difficult not to be suspicious that it is all about buying influence.

[frankln], Erehwon, United Kingdom

Recommended by 37 people






Added: Saturday, 12 January, 2008, 15:50 GMT 15:50 UK

We now live in a society where people are getting criminal records for small infringements eg feeding birds, dog fouling, placing refuse in the wrong bin etc etc. The list is endless and as mere citizens we are offered no leeway, it's put up or shut up. We are certainly not allowed to say it was just a mistake.

Why then are politicians the only one's in our society to plead ignorance and get away with it?? "Ignorance of the law is no excuse"!!

sandra todd, wakefield


Recommended by 36 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:17 GMT 16:17 UK

How many Labour MP's have been caught out doing this sort of thing, numerous.

How many have resigned..........................NONE.

Says it all really about the Labour Party.

Even their own back benchers don't demand resignations.

Mind you, i'd like to thank NuLabour for ensuring this will be their last term in office for the next 50 years.

Mark, Hednesford


Recommended by 34 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 14:37 GMT 14:37 UK

Hain, Harman and Jowell have all done something illegal and admitted to doing something illegal, WHY ARENT THEY BEING PROSECUTED?? are all mp's immune from prosecution , they should at least resign. If i did somethjing illegal i wouldnt be exempt from prosecution just because i admitted doing it.

pete humphries, mansfield, United Kingdom

Recommended by 34 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:51 GMT 12:51 UK

The government should be beyond and above any misdoing or scam, but time and time again these incidents come to light, make you wonder whatever next?. and also makes you wonder about the other things that have not come to light. I now think this party is unworthy of anybodies trust.

[peterlondon], croydon, United Kingdom

Recommended by 33 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 21:23 GMT 21:23 UK

I believe this is a law not just rules, if so he should face the courts like anyone else and if found guilty face the full force of the law.

Pez Man, Eastleigh, United Kingdom

Recommended by 32 people






Added: Sunday, 13 January, 2008, 12:38 GMT 12:38 UK

I failed to declare the donations because I was too busy doing my two jobs and trying to get another.I don't think he's up to any job in Government and will not be voting Labour.

Kiki, UK"



Page 5:

"Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:24 GMT 16:24 UK

First have a look at some of the Standards Board for England rulings. A toothless tiger. It seems that you can get away with blue murder and, the further up the political ladder you are, the more you can get away with. Save the money - he's going to be found innocent but the taxpayer's bill for the decision will be more than the £103,000 he didn't declare.

[jurassicflood], Seaton, United Kingdom

Recommended by 31 people






Added: Saturday, 12 January, 2008, 15:49 GMT 15:49 UK

If Hain has the slighest integrity he will resign.

If he doesn't, he won't.

He won't.


[Posted yesterday, and listed as '"unpublished because the debate has closed". It clearly hadn't: many comments have since appeared. The comment was thus censored by the BBC -- the political party funded by the licence fee. Reject if you will, BBC, but please don't lie!]

Don Simpson, UK, United Kingdom

Recommended by 30 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:13 GMT 16:13 UK

NuLabour is THE party of Sleeze.

NuLabour brought down the previous tory government with claims of sleeze, yet NuLabour are far worse.

If I failed to declare £100,000 of income, I would be prosecuted.
Since NuLabour came to power, they have had a continual stream of illegal and immoral funding issues.

NuLabour do not deserve to remain in power any Longer.

Gordon's Blown It, London

Recommended by 30 people






Added: Saturday, 12 January, 2008, 11:13 GMT 11:13 UK

Sack him !

ATTACK_HAMSTER, Leeds


Recommended by 29 people






Added: Monday, 14 January, 2008, 08:20 GMT 08:20 UK

Politicians like Peter Hain and Wendy Alexander should stop making excuses. They make the laws, so they should have no trouble understanding them. And if the break the rules they, themselves have made they should be sacked immediately.

This is yet another instance of the "snouts in the trough" culture endemic in British politics !

Sea Wolf, Dundee

Recommended by 28 people






Added: Saturday, 12 January, 2008, 15:54 GMT 15:54 UK

How about a visit from the fraud squad? It's time Hain and this Labour Government went, they are all corrupt.

Mark, Romford


Recommended by 28 people






Added: Saturday, 12 January, 2008, 15:51 GMT 15:51 UK

This so-called Think Tank was nothing more than a front, a dummy organisation created to channel money in a covert way to Hain.

There are hundreds of these in the USA, designed to hide the source of campaign contributions, or to circumvent spending limits.

What kind of Think Tank does no research, holds no meetings, employs no staff and has no website? And collects money only to hand it on to a single politcian?

The Peter Hain kind, clearly!

Ed Richards

Recommended by 28 people






Added: Saturday, 12 January, 2008, 11:06 GMT 11:06 UK

Well he always struck me as being even slimier than the rest of them, of course he should resign, in fact why hasn't he been sacked?

King Alfred, Wessex

Recommended by 28 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:50 GMT 12:50 UK

Here we go again, another Labour sleaze issue. Like all their other mistakes before, "lessons will be learnt" and absolutely nothing will change.

It's not Hain that should resign, the whole party should go. They are not fit to govern.

Llew G, Newbury, United Kingdom

Recommended by 28 people






Added: Saturday, 12 January, 2008, 13:28 GMT 13:28 UK

From what I read in the Times Mr Hain spent £60,000 in one day on his own publicity campaign. Now I don't know but that seems like an awful lot of money for the average man in the street to earn through hard work but peanuts for a Labour politician to squander on themselves. This in itself demonstrates that Hain is not fit to hold office.

Graham, Salisbury


Recommended by 26 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:16 GMT 16:16 UK

What we need to remember that these are rules imposed by LABOUR to tackle sleeze and prove they are whiter than white (the real reason was to limit donations to the tories).

For ministers to deny knowledge of the rules or to say they were too busy to check that the rules are being observed is incredible.

The problem with so many Lawers as MPs is that they try to stretch the letter of the law and care not about the spirit.

john davis, Motherwell, United Kingdom

Recommended by 26 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:51 GMT 12:51 UK

Hain should resign.
However if he does not, and tries to hang on to office in the same way as Harriet Harman, then Brown should show some real leadership and take the initiative by sacking both of them.
However Brown does not have the courage and I think pigs will fly first!!!!

kim potter, hungerford


Recommended by 26 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:50 GMT 12:50 UK

Oh dear another hundred grand I forgot about, well is anyone surprised that the British electorate have lost all faith in the political elite. Oh and next week they will be voting themselves an inflation busting increase and no doubt a top up to their Gold Plated pension funds, isn't high time we reduced their number and saved the country a fortune!!!

John, Birmingham


Recommended by 26 people






Added: Saturday, 12 January, 2008, 10:57 GMT 10:57 UK

HAIN.
Your the only person in this country who does`nt know you`re a CROOK, is that simple enough for you?. Now naf of.

pat, medway


Recommended by 25 people






Added: Sunday, 13 January, 2008, 12:26 GMT 12:26 UK

In the UK all men are not equal. Arrogant politicians can cheat, steal, swindle and lie to millions of people.

Why is this allowed? I it not time politics changed from being a breeding ground for legalised thieves.

Strategos Pericles "



Page 6:

"Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 15:26 GMT 15:26 UK

If Hain was not aware of irregularities, sack him for incompetence.

If he was aware, sack him for dishonesty.

It seems to boil down to SACK HIM!.

[spanner345], Hull

Recommended by 24 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:52 GMT 12:52 UK

Sack Peter Hain and force a bi-election, with the local Labour Party deciding who the Labour Candidate will be.

Jonathan, Romford


Recommended by 24 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:42 GMT 12:42 UK

Once upon a time in a land called Britain there used to be this thing called honour. If a minister was naughty, there was this sword that they used to fall upon and withdraw to this place called the backbenches where they lamented the fact they blew their chance in the government. Then in the late 90's there was this thing called Labour who lost the sword and now if a minister is naughty they get promoted.

This stinks

Mr Hain, resign as you have broken the law. Mr Brown, sort your lot out

Dan, London


Recommended by 24 people






Added: Sunday, 13 January, 2008, 12:32 GMT 12:32 UK

Despite being caught up in a $candal, Peter Hain vows to carry on? Does this mean corruption as usual?

Guy Fox, Key West/Tampa Bay, United States

Recommended by 23 people






Added: Saturday, 12 January, 2008, 22:28 GMT 22:28 UK

After todays statement I can safely say that Labour has out slimed the tories. Did you ever in your life here such tale. So much fabric was spun in Hains statement he should open a curtain shop or something. Between him, Kelly 'asthma for your kids' BAA deputy Chair and Gordon tax and spend we have without doubt the most untrustworthy bunch of politicians EVER!! It scares me to death.

[FuroraNormanum], London, United Kingdom

Recommended by 23 people






Added: Saturday, 12 January, 2008, 11:12 GMT 11:12 UK

Hain has been caught orange handed.
He should go.

Tim, UK


Recommended by 23 people






Added: Saturday, 12 January, 2008, 07:18 GMT 07:18 UK

Poor Peter Hain.
Should we really be surprised that he didn't know? He certainly isn't the first member of this government to recieve a large sum of cash, and know nothing.
Husband pays off massive mortguage. Wife doesn't know about the payment, or where the money came from. Then seperates from husband to keep post in government.
Two people sacked over cash questions. Both end up with higher paying jobs.
Lets be honest. This government isn't.

Pete, Leeds


Recommended by 23 people






Added: Sunday, 13 January, 2008, 15:44 GMT 15:44 UK

He has broken the law, the police should (again) be called in.

[Brainman1967], Sutton Coldfield, United Kingdom

Recommended by 22 people






Added: Saturday, 12 January, 2008, 11:04 GMT 11:04 UK

Oh dear, yet another "honest mistake". NuLabour is very good at these but as usual, it's either incompetence or lies.
Hain should go, and NOT sideways to another well-paid position.

[WavingAnt], London(ish), United Kingdom

Recommended by 22 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 21:21 GMT 21:21 UK

Dont tell me...another oversight, the honorouble gentleman is mistaken, we were not aware of the full facts....spin spin,lie,deceive...When are we going to get rid of this corrupt, unrepresentative shower of dross from parliament. This is just outrageous and another piece of disgraceful behaviour from someone who should be beyond reproach. Is it any wonder the electorate want rid of the party, led by a man who was not elected to office in the first place....

[davedemocrat], Swaffham

Recommended by 22 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:15 GMT 16:15 UK

I’ve figured it out ! I know what Labour is doing !. You know the expression ‘Hidden in plain sight” yes, well, Labour want to make this type of thing so normal that nobody will blink an eye when it happens for the umpteenth time.

Smart eh ?. That’s your Labour for you, enjoy.

Bob Biryani, London, UK


Recommended by 22 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:50 GMT 12:50 UK

If I make an "innocent mistake" in filling out my tax return, the goverment would want their pound of flesh from me.

If I manage to £103,156, I hate to think what would happen

David Potts, Grayswood, United Kingdom

Recommended by 22 people






Added: Saturday, 12 January, 2008, 22:26 GMT 22:26 UK

It is absurd to suggest that Haine's arrogant apologies will be accepted by anybody with an IQ above 1.
The electorate will not forget, Mr Haines. Your days in office are numbered.

Gareth Wheeler, Breda


Recommended by 21 people






Added: Saturday, 12 January, 2008, 11:04 GMT 11:04 UK

The Department for Work and Pensions fund huge publicity campaigns about benefit fraud. Surely what Hain is doing is also fraud - but he no doubt will face no procecution for what he has done. One rule for him another for us?

Andy Kitchen, Cheltanham


Recommended by 21 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 14:13 GMT 14:13 UK

You know, I getting fed up with this being called sleaze. Hain has committed a crime, he broke the law and should therefore be arrested forthwith!

Bonnie Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom "



Page 7:


"Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:40 GMT 12:40 UK

Hain has been proven incompetent or dishonest – either of these is a good enough reason to relieve him of his cabinet post.

Matt F, Chester

Recommended by 21 people






Added: Sunday, 13 January, 2008, 15:44 GMT 15:44 UK

If I break the law, can I simply apologise and carry on as if nothing had happened.

No, I thought not, but then I'm not a sleazy Labour MP like Peter Hain or Wendy Alexander who seem to think that the law is for the little people to obey and not meant for them.

The time is coming when Labour MPs and their cheerleaders in the BBC will feel a much colder wind blowing.

It can't come soon enough.

[alistair_j]

Recommended by 20 people






Added: Saturday, 12 January, 2008, 22:25 GMT 22:25 UK

Is there no legal body out there that have the wherewithall to prosecute these politicians in a court of law. They all need locking up.

sue, knowsley


Recommended by 20 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:16 GMT 16:16 UK

I am a labour supporter but Gordon should act now today sack Peter Hain. If it is true that he wants to show that he wants a up front no nonsense government, which reflects down the labour party and country no faffing about remove him to-day save any more embarrassment

yendys davies, plymouth, United Kingdom

Recommended by 20 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:17 GMT 16:17 UK

Smoke and FIRE, an example is now needed. Peter Hain's career is over if Labour accepts change is needed.

[Cloggy1960]

Recommended by 20 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 15:38 GMT 15:38 UK

Yet again the sins of Hamilton and Mellor are made to look small beer, yet will the BBC be as forenisc in its examination of Labour as it was of the Tories? Of course not.

Andy, York


Recommended by 20 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 14:34 GMT 14:34 UK

Nu Labour Nu Slease Nu Excuse !

£100,000 and he knew nothing about it? What do these campaigns run on?- fresh air?

He is just a chip off the old Blairite and Brownite block!

Only being sorry for being found out - if he was that sorry he would not have done it in the first place!!

They should make this a criminal charge - as Labour Consitantly keep doing this and they get away with it with a slap on the wrist!

DISGUSTING !!

[POLARIS69], Kent, United Kingdom

Recommended by 20 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 14:32 GMT 14:32 UK

just what is someone who is capable of "forgetting" he was given £100,000 doing in any position of authority? What else has this cronie "forgotten" about?

More labour pigs at the trough just biding their time before they give themselves over inflated pay rises.

ashley, chelsmford


Recommended by 20 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:55 GMT 12:55 UK

I am afraid this is yet another example of one rule for one and a different set of rules for another - read Labour politicans. Please, please explain to me how these guys are continually able to do this with absolutely no come back - oh and coupled with the 'confidence' of the Prime Minister. So much for the election promises when Labour came to power!! A basic breach of rules - incompetance or negligence?? Gordon, do the right thing, replace him before it is too late!

Alan Bennett, London


Recommended by 20 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 12:50 GMT 12:50 UK

I really cant quite believe what im reading, do these idiots have no clue whatsoever.

And tomorrow it will be business as usual, lies and corruption. Why are they not arrested as any of us would be.

Get out now Labour, and hang your heads in shame

(had to leave out alot of expletives)

tired tom, london, United Kingdom

Recommended by 20 people






Added: Monday, 14 January, 2008, 07:22 GMT 07:22 UK

Why is it that illegal acts involving £100,000 and the impartiality of parliament, where the person involved has access to a battery of advisors can be written of as a mistake. Where a single mother who makes a mistake costing a fraction of that and without a single advisor is not offered the same excuse.
Sould we not expect a higher standard from our politicians perhaps like that we require of our police officers, rather than the lover level, of behaviour we appear to get at the moment.

Stephen Butcher, Hayes


Recommended by 19 people






Added: Sunday, 13 January, 2008, 16:13 GMT 16:13 UK

It must be difficult to notice the odd £100,000 or so missing when your snout is buried so deeply in the trough.

Tim Knight, Brecon


Recommended by 19 people






Added: Saturday, 12 January, 2008, 11:05 GMT 11:05 UK

Please BBC expose what exactly these donors hope to gain by funding these politicians! Lets have an expose of all these underhand rich. Surely they are not all concerned about the politics or have deep political convicitons? What favours or foot in the door are they hoping to gain?
Socialists are always the most arrogant when in power. Like the religious they adopt a holier than thou stance and they escape criticism from the left wing who would be howling for blood if Tories were involved.

April Showers

Recommended by 19 people






Added: Saturday, 12 January, 2008, 10:57 GMT 10:57 UK

No-one, but no-one gives money away like that without expecting something in return.
No wonder the number one rule is SECRECY.
What was the deal Mr. Hain?

judith sheraton

Recommended by 19 people






Added: Friday, 11 January, 2008, 16:16 GMT 16:16 UK

He should resign or be sacked. Trouble is - he will be replaced by someone even less competent. That's the problem with most Labour MPs - they cannot manage and are simply promoted union activists or ideologists - not proved themselves in the real world of work.

Daily Mail Reader "



That's around 100 of the most recommended comments all anti-Peter Hain. The public are speaking but will our lords and masters listen?