Margaret Thatcher Tributes: MPs Can Claim £3,750 In Expenses For Returning To House Of Commons

MPs Can Claim HOW MUCH For Attending Thatcher Tributes?

Those MPs breaking off their holidays to dash back to pay tribute to Margaret Thatcher in the Commons on Wednesday may claim up to £3,750 in travel expenses to do so, it has emerged.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) has confirmed that MPs were entitled to claim back the cost of returning to Westminster if they were outside the country when parliament was recalled, with a cap of £3,750 in place.

That sum could include the cost of returning to their holiday destination if they choose to resume their break following recall.

Participants wearing historical dress read the menu before the the departure of the famous 'Orient Express' train

An Ipsa spokesman said that some MPs could well have been out of the country when the recall was announced and that it was "reasonable" that they should be reimbursed for the cost of returning.

"If Parliament is recalled, MPs can claim the cost of getting to Parliament," the spokesman said.

Labour leader Ed Miliband has urged his MPs to attend, with the caveat that they should only consider staying away if they plan on using the time in the Commons to insult the former PM.

WHERE CAN YOU GO FOR £3,750?

One way Economy class tickets with Shanghai Airways and Thai Airways from Fuzhou, China to London

A suite cabin on the Orient Express from Venice to London

One way Business class tickets with Emirates from Dubai to London

A 1st class train ticket to London, via Moscow, from Vladivostok on the Transiberian Railway

A boat trip, including meals, from Australia, via the Panama Canal - but they might get home a bit late for Maggie's tributes

William Hague has defended the expected £8m cost of Thatcher's ceremonial funeral, saying the UK can "afford" to contribute.

Hague told the BBC that Thatcher had won a rebate from Europe in 1984 that had brought in £75bn so far.

"I think that puts money in perspective," he said.

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