Expenses row 'disastrous' for MPs

Commons Speaker John Bercow has warned MPs that they cannot simply wait for the "cataclysmic" impact of the expenses scandal to blow over.

The reputation of Parliament will only start to recover when "decisive, fundamental and irrevocable changes" to the system are made, he insisted.

In an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Bercow said: "I think the change for the worse over the past six months has been seismic, it has been cataclysmic. It has been disastrous for the standing and the reputation of the House of Commons.

"I do not, however, think that that damage is irreversible. If, however, we are to reverse it, it is not good enough simply to think the fuss will subside, the protest will die down, things will return to normal after a passage of time.

"It will change, the public mood, and change for the better, when and only when we make decisive, fundamental and irrevocable change.

"If there is no payback from the House, there will be no comeback for the House."

Mr Bercow also said he did not give a "moment's thought" to the prospect of being challenged for the Speakership. Many Tory MPs were unhappy with his election to the Chair earlier this year, and have threatened to try to unseat him.

But the Buckingham MP insisted he wanted to stay as Speaker for two parliaments after this one.

"The best response to doubt, scepticism, criticism, and indeed, abuse is not talk but to act," Mr Bercow said.

"I have every intention of continuing - of accelerating - the work I'm doing and redoubling my efforts, seeking to give satisfaction to Parliament."