To what extent are politicians willing to whore their experience & contacts in exchange for cash?
Recent "sting" efforts by UK media highlight two senior British members of Parliament: former Secretary of State for Justice / former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, MP (Labour), and Former Foreign Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind, KCMG, QC, MP (Conservative).
The men discussed how they could help a Chinese company based in Hong Kong as paid consultants.
Sir Malcolm was reportedly recorded stating "I am self-employed - so nobody pays me a salary. I have to earn my income." -- In fact, he's a salaried government employee: a sitting Member of Parliament who now serves as Chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee. His committee oversees British intelligence services MI5 and MI6.
Neither man had yet arranged access to any privileged or secret information (link).
The Americans and other allies will surely pay attention to these reports, if only to note how cheaply and easily British politicians become more friendly. Perhaps this ain't news...
Recent "sting" efforts by UK media highlight two senior British members of Parliament: former Secretary of State for Justice / former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, MP (Labour), and Former Foreign Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind, KCMG, QC, MP (Conservative).
The men discussed how they could help a Chinese company based in Hong Kong as paid consultants.
Sir Malcolm was reportedly recorded stating "I am self-employed - so nobody pays me a salary. I have to earn my income." -- In fact, he's a salaried government employee: a sitting Member of Parliament who now serves as Chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee. His committee oversees British intelligence services MI5 and MI6.
Neither man had yet arranged access to any privileged or secret information (link).
The Americans and other allies will surely pay attention to these reports, if only to note how cheaply and easily British politicians become more friendly. Perhaps this ain't news...
