PM Brown apologizes for MP expense claims

HARROGATE, England, May 11 (UPI) -- British Prime Minister Gordon Brown says he's sorry for "mistakes" made by members of Parliament who have claimed reimbursement for personal expenses.

Revelations that lawmakers of both parties sought taxpayer money for such expenses as mock Tudor beams, dog food and a lawnmower have resulted in embarrassment for Brown and the Labor Party government. Brown Monday offered an apology for the claims, The Times of London reported.

"I want to apologize on behalf of politicians on behalf of all parties for what has happened in the events of the last few days," he said, adding, "We must show that, where mistakes have been made and errors have been discovered, where wrongs have to be righted, that it is done so immediately."

Brown reportedly made the comments while addressing the Royal College of Nursing annual conference in Harrogate, England.

The Times said the latest expense reports to become public indicate that Alan Duncan, the Conservative Party's shadow leader of the Commons, recouped $6,000 for gardening costs, including repairs to a riding lawnmower, and that Tourism Minister Barbara Follett claimed more than $37,000 for home security.