Jailed peers can go back to work

Two disgraced peers who made false expenses claims will be allowed to return to the Lords after Easter, even though they have served prison sentences.

The Tory peers Lord Hanningfield and Lord Taylor of Warwick will be able to resume their seats and claim their £300-a-day allowances because the rules of the second chamber make no provision for peers to be expelled or to step down voluntarily.

Both men repaid expenses they claimed illegally. Lord Taylor was jailed for a year over claims totalling £11,000. Lord Hanningfield was jailed for nine months over a £13,379 claim.