A deeply depressing read from the Telegraph on the enquiry into the scandal of MPs expenses. It fully shows the utter impotence of the enquiry to do anything that will fundamentally change the pretty horrific status quo:

It is impossible for Sir Christopher to recommend that MPs suspended for misconduct should face the possibility of a recall by-election in order to keep their seat. But without such a measure, how can voters can pass judgment on their MPs misdeeds?

Instead, Sir Christopher is limited to tinkering. His committee can certainly ban some of the more easily abused practices, such as expensing mortgage interest rates and being able to claim for petrol without a receipt. And he could be radical by pushing for the full publication of all receipts, all claims, and all formal correspondence between MPs and the Fees Office.

Yeah, tinkering is what we need. That's going to make a lot of difference. I mean, there is no way whatsoever that our completely honourable MPs could find a way around a "tinkered" system, is there?

If there is change, then it is gong to come from another source. And, unfortunately, that potential source of change is also the source of the problem:

Unhappy as he is, Mr Straw should take heart. The power to end this "terrible period" is in his hands and those of his fellow MPs. Getting British politics out of its current mess does not require the Kelly inquiry or the government to work some kind of magical restoration of trust in Parliament. It simply requires Parliament to trust the public , with full access and full publication.

Great. We're reliant on Parliament trusting the people. Well, they've shown a lot of trust so far with their refusal to be open in any way with the people who elect them. In fact, the only thing our MPs have shown less enthusiasm for other than trusting us is reforming their own system. So you'll forgive me if I don't hold my breath over the impact of this particular "enquiry".