This mornings papers have dedicated a substantial number of column inches to the prospect that the three Labour MPs charged with theft from the public purse; Jim Devine, David Chaytor and Elliot Morley, will receive a substantial ‘golden goodbye’ when they stand down.

The amount of money a MP can receive is dependent on their length of service, and ranges from £30-£65,000. The Taxpayers’ Alliance has calculated that Devine, Chaytor and Morley could take home a total £151,552.

According to the Press Association Legal advisers have told Speaker Bercow that they have so far been unable to find a way to withhold the resettlement grants, as the men have not been convicted of any crime.

A simple one page Bill should be tabled as soon as possible If there is nothing that can be done under the existing rules of the House, then a simple one page Bill should be tabled as soon as possible which says that any member convicted of a criminal offence relating to their time as an MP automatically forfeit all their severance pay and pension.

As it’s highly unlikely the three amigos will have their day in court before the election, the same Bill could also deal with what should happen if criminal proceedings are ongoing at the time of an election.

Again the solution is simple, the money isn’t paid until the MP is found innocent.

Next week new rules are expected to be passed in the Common’s which allow House authorities to claw back money from MPs who refuse to hand over money demanded by Sir Thomas Legg’s audit by docking their pay, allowances or grants.

If MPs want the public to trust them again, then they need to show that they understand that people will not simple accept the fact that MPs could be found guilty of defrauding the taxpayer, yet receive tens of thousands of pounds from the very same institution they stole from.