Several years ago, when I worked in a university, gifts from students or their families had to be declared, regardless of their size (Ministers to crack down on political donations as Farage faces calls for second inquiry, 6 July). To safeguard against students buying special privileges, staff were not permitted to accept “large” gifts.
On one occasion, a member of staff was given a tablet (value £200) and the university required it to be given back, or given to the department in which she worked, with the donor’s agreement, so that other students could benefit.
I see no reason why MPs, and those positioning themselves to become an MP, should not be subject to similarly tight rules. Being an MP should not provide a backdoor for accumulating personal wealth.
Hugh Clarke
London
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