Dousing the flames

Whilst Ann Widdecombe's semantics may be the story tonight, the substance should not be lost.

We do not need a macho contest between the toughest of them all. We do need disciplined and durable reform. Cutting the number of MPs is not a solution. It is in fact the reverse. Constituents do not need even more distance between them and their MPs. Similarly MPs should not be even further distanced from their constituents.

Abolishing the communications allowance is also not a solution. MPs have to communicate with their constituents. Unlike cookers and cabinets, communication is a necessity, not a luxury. However whether the level of the communication allowance needs to be £10,000 is an issue that should be urgently examined.

There is no doubt that a ferocious fire is burning at the present time around Westminster but the last thing our MPs should do is join the fire dance.