Sorry seems to be the hardest word for Labour MPs after it emerged that Labour party headquarters have issued ready-made ‘sorry’ letters for their MPs to send to angry constituents who complain over the expenses scandal.

Instead of writing heartfelt apologies, Labour MPs just need to insert their constituents name and then sign. The letters are even designed to sound personal, beginning, “I thought twice about sending this letter because I know how rightly angry people are with MPs.

SNP MP for Glasgow East, John Mason, said: "This is despicable and cynical spin from the Labour party. These letters are designed to look heartfelt, but in fact they are insincere and miss the point of why the public are so angry.

"Labour is well known for its central office control freakery, but these letters really do underline how low Labour has sunk in their efforts to con the public.

"With public confidence in politicians at a low Labour should be ashamed of themselves.

"We don't need insincere letters from Labour, we need a speedy audit of MPs claims so that matters can be put right, and then an early General Election so that people can have their say on Westminster."

Note:

Download Labour’s pro-forma letters for MPs, Councillors and MEPs.