THE most popular view of the Houses of Parliament is from the Albert Embankment across the River Thames to the Lords and Commons library terraces.
However, to the rear of Parliament between Westminster Hall and St Margaret’s Street is Cromwell Green with the statue of Oliver Cromwell therein, the Puritan champion of Parliament.
In 1653 he addressed Parliament thus: It is high time for me to put an end to you sitting in this place which you have dishonoured by your contempt of all virtue ... ye are a pack of mercenary wretches....”
With this Labour government attempting to block the publication of MP’s expenses, and the House of Lords awash with many Blair cronies who purchased a peerage by donating to the Labour Party, Cromwell’s words are so apt today for the few ‘mercenary wretches’ who sit now in both Houses of the Palace of Westminster. Not forgetting that the majority of politicians serve with ability and rectitude.
J E PLUMTREE Brook Meadow Wroughton Swindon
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