British politics 'at dangerous crossroads'

London: British politics is at a "dangerous" crossroads with MPs held in scorn by people who "revile" them, David Cameron said Friday night.

The Conservative leader issued the gravest statement yet from a political leader about the potential impact of the expenses scandal that has engulfed Westminster.

Cameron tore up a planned party political broadcast and instead made a direct address to viewers that included an apology for the behaviour of some Tory MPs.

He was furious when this week the Telegraph highlighted how some of his MPs had claimed for swimming pool maintenance, moat cleaning and other "unacceptable" items.

In a speech to the Scottish Conservative conference, Cameron said: "Our politics is reviled. Our Parliament is held in scorn. Our people have had enough. Let us be clear. This moment is dangerous, yet vital."

Cameron said too many MPs had made expense claims that did not stand up to scrutiny. Several Tory MPs have agreed to pay back money, including Douglas Hogg, who claimed for the moat cleaning, Oliver Letwin, who had a pipe under his tennis court repaired, and George Osborne, the shadow chancellor, who has reimbursed more than £440 ((Dh2,451) he claimed for a taxi journey.

On Thursday, Andrew Mackay, a senior advisor to the Tory leader, resigned over extravagant expenses claims. A panel is now reviewing the expense claims made by Conservative MPs and will advise them how much money should be paid back.