United Kingdom parliamentary expenses scandal ultimately covered the entire gamut of Parliament—all major parties and several minor ones, ministers (including the Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the Chancellor, cabinet and shadow cabinet members) through to backbenchers, and members of both the House of Lords and the House of Commons. A number of members were expelled from their parties, or would not stand for re-election; some members repaid, in part or whole, sums they had previously claimed. Expenses claims to be repaid averaged £3,000 with the highest repayment being £42,458.21 by Barbara Follett. There were also payments to the UK tax authority for taxes on possible gains
UK parliamentary approval for military action UK parliamentary approval for military action There is an emerging constitutional convention in the United Kingdom whereby the House of Commons is provided the opportunity to debate the use of the Armed Forces prior to their deployment, except in the event of an emergency. The power to deploy military forces is currently exercised by ministers under the royal prerogative and does not require parliamentary authorisation. Since 2003, however, successive Governments have informed and consulted the House of Commons about the decision to use force and the progress of military campaigns. Doubts over the existence of the convention were arguably laid