Politicians can claim travel costs if attending Thatcher funeral

Politicians returning from overseas visits to pay tribute to Baroness Thatcher can claim up to £3,750 (€4,390) in travel expenses, it was confirmed today.

The UK's Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) said that, in line with normal rules, MPs were entitled to claim for their journeys back to Westminster following the recall of Parliament during the Easter recess.

For any MPs who are abroad on holiday or overseas visits there is a maximum of £3,750 which they can claim back.

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

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.