British peers suspended after newspaper stings

Three members of Britain’s House of Lords were suspended by their parties yesterday after apparently being caught in newspaper stings agreeing to lobby Parliament in return for cash.

Labour peers Brian Mackenzie and Jack Cunningham and Ulster unionist member John Laird were recorded by a Sunday Times reporter pretending to represent a solar energy firm.

They appeared to agree to push the firm’s cause in Parliament. Cunningham was recorded saying he could help with “knocking on doors, introductions and getting to see people, including if necessary the ministers,” as well as asking questions in the Lords — for a fee of up to £12,000 (€14,000) a month.