WHAT a state of disgrace the democracy of our country has now reached when MPs vote to exclude themselves from the freedom of information laws, which they introduced in 2005, and which applies to every other public establishment.

It is obvious some MPs have been furious at their exaggerated expenses having been disclosed and scrutinised.

Rather than their neutral' claim, make no mistake, this private members Bill was backed by the government. Indeed, without government backing private members Bills usually fail. Furthermore, 20 Labour Ministers backed the Bill to place themselves above the law.

How did our MP Anne Snelgrove vote? Sorry to say she too backed this shameful Bill.

Let us hope the House of Lords throw it out. Unelected they may be, but they do give a wise, balanced check to some of the contemptuous members in the House of Commons.

J E Plumtree.

Wroughton