And another thing…

In a way, if you begrudge MPs, you would have to begrudge teachers. I don’t see the media playing up to the fact that teachers get the amount of holidays they get so…

Well said Tom!

Hmmm, 9 weeks away from Parliament for summer break, around 168 days sitting this year (That only leaves 200 odd days that you were all doing something else).

A bargain I am sure

Some people might say that MPs should take longer holidays. They damage the country enough without having more time to do it in

Anyway, as you'll no doubt be struggling for holiday ideas, I suggest a trip to Normandy. You can have a walk on Obama Beach.

[...] Spectator Coffee House says Andy Coulson has emerged from his grilling unscathed.2. Tom Harris explains why MPs deserves a holiday.3. The Crown unveils New Labour’s new logo.4. Tory [...]

I agree with you, Tom. Thing is, most MPs I know work their backsides off through more of the recess than is probably good for them.

I am a great believer in recharging batteries at least once a year and recommend at least two weeks completely away (or as much as possible away) from politics as possible.

I reckon most MPs average at least a 60 if not 70 hour working week when Parliament is sitting. They'll never get all of that time back, but I'd rather they came back in October refreshed and reaquainted with real life.

I guess if you think about it, this will probably be the last proper chance you all get to have a break before the election…..

OT

I've just noticed you've changed your comments, Tom, to a similar one used by Dizzy. Much better, especially the feature of being able to reply to other comments.

Is this a permanent change or just see how it goes?

Quite right Tom.
I shall be working hard for the constituents of Fromage-Bocage.
Helping to boost the local economy by purchasing local produce such as wine and steak and sun tan lotion.
Then i shall be working very hard at the 'renewable energy resource and sustainable methodology conference'
Its being held in that world energy powerhouse of Barbados this year.
My secretary-slash-wife will need to attend too. So we will have to bring the children as well. We couldn't leave them behind unattended after all.

Then its back to Surreysex. Some clinics, A traffic planning meeting. Sadly there are no new shops or business to visit or open. The Post Offices have already closed, as have the libraries and car dealerships. The schools are off, so no visits there. The factories are on short time too.
I used to go and see the local pubs too, but they have all closed since the smoking ban.
So i might visit John Lewis with Mrs Q. Help boost the sluggish retail figures. A sort of MP's stimulus. Then its just a matter of a few weeks of party work, lunches and dinners at the banks {they seem to be doing quite well don't they?}
Then the holiday home in Marbella needs a visit. Just to soak up the last 5weeks of the recess and to investigate those awful Spanish Practices.

You wouldn't find them here.

At the risk of sounding sychophantic let me give you my impression of MPs. Firstly let me say that I do not begrudge you quality time with your family, especially as a weekly commute from Glasgow must be quite gruelling.

Secondly as someone who is involved in politics peripherally in the smoking ban, I have come into contact with advisors, MPs and junior ministers. I have say with sincerity that generally the quality intellectually, interpersonal skills, and breath of knowledge to be truly impressive. I have come away with a very positive impression of the people involved in the political process. While accepting at party leader level the atmosphere and interactions must be quite venal and MPs expenses are neither forgotten or for given, yet.

.

My other points to end.

When I first started contributing to blogs particularly Labour I thought it was an opportunity to vent my spleen. However the political process has won me over and try to be as constructive as much as I can and as quite genuinely "the man in the street," while I may be a thorn in the flesh to many people I have been allowed to make my contribution. Albeit tolerated rather welcomed.

The internet in so many ways democratised politics and and made it more accessible. Have a good break.

The only holiday some MPs deserve is a long spell as a guest at Her Majesty's Pleasure.

[...] Tom Harris defends Westminster’s long summer break [...]