The UDM is disgusted by the cynical manner in which the Travelgate MPs are being let off the hook. The stealthy attempt to cancel their debt to Parliament makes a mockery of the concept of accountability. Now it seems that Parliament may even foot the bill for the legal costs that these fraudsters incurred; in other words the taxpayer will pay a second time.

This decision looks like the thin end of the wedge. We suspect that this is a strategy to blackmail MPs in future, when the ruling party comes back to indemnify the people involved in such despicable self-enrichment schemes as the Arms Deal.

This decision again sends a wrong signal; that MPs - especially high-ranking ANC members - are above prosecution.

The UDM distances itself from this decision. The Presiding Officers owe us an explanation. Why now?