This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/8046287.stm

The article has changed 14 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
All MPs' claims to be scrutinised All MPs' claims to be scrutinised
(10 minutes later)
All MPs' receipts over the past four years will be scrutinised for any "irregularities" by an independent group, Gordon Brown has said. All MPs' receipts over four years will be scrutinised by an independent group, Gordon Brown has said.
It follows days of damaging revelations based on leaked receipts MPs' submitted to back up their second homes claims. Following days of damaging revelations about MPs' expenses claims, the PM said "extreme" action was needed.
Minister Hazel Blears says she will pay capital gains tax on a flat she sold, on which she claimed expenses. He denied being bumped into the action by David Cameron's proposals earlier to restrict claims by Tory MPs.
David Cameron and Nick Clegg have both issued new rules to their own MPs about what they should be claiming. Meanwhile Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has said she will pay £13,332 in respect of capital gains tax on the sale of her "second home" flat.
This is a radical move but it is necessary Gordon Brown Earlier Mr Cameron outlined a series of measures he was demanding of his own MPs and said several senior Tories will repay "excessive" expenses claimed - and warned he would expel from the party those who refused.
Mr Cameron outlined a series of measures he was demanding of his own MPs and said several senior Tories will repay "excessive" expenses claimed - and warned he would expel from the party those who refused. 'Radical move'
But Mr Brown told the BBC: "It is not enough for one or two MPs to make announcements here and there."But Mr Brown told the BBC: "It is not enough for one or two MPs to make announcements here and there."
He said an independent audit was needed and said, if necessary, it could mean repayments being made and disciplinary action being taken against some MPs.He said an independent audit was needed and said, if necessary, it could mean repayments being made and disciplinary action being taken against some MPs.
"This is a radical move but it is necessary," Mr Brown said."This is a radical move but it is necessary," Mr Brown said.
I've heard absolutely the outrage and the anger the public feel about what has been going on Hazel Blears 'Appalled' Cameron leads payback Blears will pay tax on flat sale
He said an independent review of every claim made would help MPs show they are "worthy of public trust".He said an independent review of every claim made would help MPs show they are "worthy of public trust".
'Outrage and anger' After Mr Cameron announced new rules for his own MPs, the government asked the cross-party members allowances committee to consider its own proposals for immediate reform.
It comes as Communities Secretary Hazel Blears says she will pay £13,332 - which would have been due in capital gains tax on a flat she had designated as her second home with Commons authorities. Asked if he had been forced into a response by Mr Cameron, Mr Brown told the BBC: "I have been discussing this for days and we have been looking at this matter for some time. We had hoped to make some progress yesterday and now all parties are prepared to accept this."
But two senior MPs told the BBC he was "misrepresenting" what had been agreed by the committee.
They said the committee only agreed to examine the idea of an independent audit, that there was no "firm or final agreement" and would meet again on Wednesday after seeking advice on whether it was possible.
Tax paid back
Meanwhile Communities Secretary Hazel Blears says she will pay £13,332 - which would have been due in capital gains tax on a flat she had designated as her second home with Commons authorities.
She said she had acted within the rules but had to recognise public anger on the issue.She said she had acted within the rules but had to recognise public anger on the issue.
"I've heard absolutely the outrage and the anger the public feel about what has been going on.""I've heard absolutely the outrage and the anger the public feel about what has been going on."
Earlier Mr Cameron said "sorry" for the actions of some of his MPs and ordered them to pay back a string of "excessive" claims.Earlier Mr Cameron said "sorry" for the actions of some of his MPs and ordered them to pay back a string of "excessive" claims.
'Wrong rules'
He also announced a new "scrutiny panel" to root out abuses - and threatened MPs who broke the rules with expulsion from the party.He also announced a new "scrutiny panel" to root out abuses - and threatened MPs who broke the rules with expulsion from the party.
And he said, in future, Tory MPs would only be allowed to claim for basic costs on second homes such as rent and utility bills and not, as at the moment, for furniture or food.
If MPs who have made excessive claims refuse to pay back the money, Mr Cameron said they would lose the party whip.
"I don't care if they were within the rules," he said of claims made in the past. "They were wrong."