THE MAFIA UNDERSTAND FREEBIES

In Mario Puzo’s book “The Godfather” and the film of that name, the Mafia boss, Don Corleone, gives out favours, wanting no payment or anything else, but in doing so he makes clear that he may one day call on the recipient to do something in return.

Without likening Waheed Alli to a Mafia boss as by every report he is an upstanding, very wealthy, peer, he too has lavished vast freebies on high-ups in the Labour party, now Ministers,  providing luxuries it seems and there is no suggestion he has done anything wrong. Many current Ministers have received and are receiving gifts from him. A few may have been declared in the MPs gifts register obtusely, and a couple may have been declared late, but no fuss should be made over that. And in the legal eyes of Keir Starmer, they are gifts made within the Rules, if declared, and so for him there is no public case to answer. Rules are Rules, and compliance with them is all that is required .

MPs generally apparently receive gifts as a matter of course, and it is reported that Keir Starmer has received more than any other MP. That he received clothes and spectacles worth more than it seems he could afford is perhaps rather sad and irrelevant. But gifts from Lord Alli to Ministers also include events tickets, such as the best seats at football matches in expensive private boxes; concerts such as Taylor Swift; use of expensive premises for holidays; lavish celebratory parties and so on. Current Cabinet Ministers since January have, it is reported, had close to £1million worth of donations and gifts such as tickets.

The press of course continues to make mileage out of the freebies, which should not detract from big issues like the economy, welfare, defence, NHS etc. But it takes little imagination to see those inimical to Labour squeezing the pips of slur with at least innuendo about one rule for the elite, as budgetary cuts are made with Ministers luxuriating in expensive presents not available to the average citizen. 

There are wider lessons to be learnt, and the first, one imagines, should have been learnt from Covid times. Labour shouted sleaze at every opportunity, real or not. Tory failures to meet the high standards expected of Government were made causes celebres to build a public perception of mistrust. Labour leaders have portrayed themselves as politicians of the highest integrity, devoted to public service not to themselves. They are now sitting ducks at the smear fun fair, whether reasonable or even relevant or not. Hubris home to roost. Was maligned Tory avarice any different to the greedy taking of every handout going? Is this intelligent politics by today’s leaders of the UK? Is this devotion to public service?

It is interesting that, despite his firm defence for days, the PM has now ruled out acceptance of more gifts of clothing.  However, it remains open season for all other gifts. But what if Waheed Alli or his business interests get in trouble or dislike proposed new legislation? What if he then seeks help from his beneficiaries in positions of power, a little quid pro quo? His advocates say he would never do that, after all he is so very rich. But it is hardly cynical for average people to think one day this could happen. Perception matters. Are the recipients of his largesse not beholden in some way? The Godfather says yes. Is it not just reflective of human nature and indeed how some of the world goes round? The question then arises what can one believe about what the recipients say. This overegged freebies’ scandal is not good news for the country.

Keir Starmer takes pride in his legal credentials which he evidently believes, whether reasonably or not, reinforce his credibility for honesty and integrity. But it is fundamental professional integrity, especially for lawyers, not to accept significant gifts from any source for fear of a conflict of interest or an allegation of undue influence or a perception of such a possibility. The UK indeed has anti-corruption legislation where material gifts to officials are problematic. How does he not see the mistake he is making by endorsing lavish gifts, and the resulting constant flow of ammunition he is supplying to his political enemies? Is this a blind spot born out of a conviction about his own superior righteousness? His response to public scepticism about the freebies and their scale is to buckle up and cite compliance with rules. But is there not a higher standard to be adhered to by the leaders of the country, as was alleged during the last Government’s tenure, especially if one’s declared political aim is to restore trust in the political leaders? Is there a whiff of incompetence? And is there hypocrisy?

Does the fact that Keir Starmer finds it necessary to pocket all the gifts he can also demonstrate a somewhat materialistic small mindedness, when it may be thought that personal pride might lead him to say no? At a time when Government is under close scrutiny with the country waiting for a plan for growth to benefit all people, an attitude towards gifts which allow a more luxurious lifestyle for the powerful shows not just greed but poor judgement.

This episode about gifts opens up questions over the very idea of politicians taking material gifts which are used for anything other than electioneering; and also, when a PM feels he and his wife cannot afford decent enough clothes, a question whether the UK pays too mean a salary to its top politicians, but that is a separate subject. 

This topic of gifts may forever cast doubt on the sincerity of the recipients and foster allegations of hypocrisy. It will also make laughable any self-proclamation of high morality by the PM and other Ministers. It is a pity that it detracts from the focus of the press and broadcasters and the public generally on the  grave issues of the day and how they are handled.