Donations and trips of county's MPs revealed

TRIPS to Asia and Africa were listed among the financial details of the county's top politicians which have been revealed.

The MPs' register of financial interests has been released for the last year.

And it shows Gloucestershire's leaders are taking few added perks to the job.

Tewkesbury MP Laurence Robertson was the most jet-setting with trips to Vietnam and Nigeria.

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His African trip, which cost £4,000 through a donation from Eagle Scientific, was designed to promote British business, while his £1,500 visit to the Far East was with the All Party Parliamentary Group for Vietnam to forge closer links between the two countries.

Mr Robertson came under scrutiny earlier this year when it was revealed he had accepted tickets to the Chelsea Flower Show from tobacco firm JTI.

At the time, he defended his actions, saying he would not be swayed by the invitation to vote for laws in favour of the cigarette company.

And he admitted he was happy for voters to see his financial interests.

"There has always been a requirement to register certain things," said Mr Robertson.

"I have no problem with it. Everything should be registered to show there has been no conflict of interest."

Cheltenham MP Martin Horwood revealed his philanthropic side with most of his interests coming in the form of donations to charity.

Wind farm energy firm Enventi, based in Lypiatt Road, Cheltenham, also donated £2,000 to his party.

The Lib Dem politician said he was in favour of opening up the financial dealings of members to even closer scrutiny.

He added: "In America, senators have to publish their tax returns. This may be over the top but there is a genuine sense that we could go further in this country.

"This register shows how the expenses scandal has been a very positive thing.

"It is very healthy that we now have so much financial transparency in our politicians' affairs.

"It is important for voters to know what financial interests we have."

Cotswold MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown accepted an invitation worth £675 to a shooting party in Derbyshire, which included overnight accommodation. It was provided by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation.