MP’s sea trip as Parliament sat

Wednesday 9th December 2009, 10:47AM GMT.

Lembit Opik MP Montgomeryshire MP Lembit Opik enjoyed a free sunshine cruise in the Canary Islands while Parliament was still sitting, it emerged today.

The Liberal Democrat was invited to give two lectures to some 2,000 passengers on board luxury liner, the Queen Victoria, Cunard’s second largest ship.

The talks included his thoughts on the MPs’ expenses scandal, during which it was revealed he claimed a second home allowance of £23,083 last year, including £2,499 on a 42-inch plasma television and £30 for two fancy dress wigs.

Details of the high-profile MP’s break comes after a three-month summer recess – and ahead of a three-week Christmas recess.

The 44-year-old joined the boat midway through the £1,600 12-day cruise and got off a week later, said a Cunard spokesman.

The spokesman said the company had a department which organises lecture programmes on board its cruises featuring a range of public figures which have included BBC radio presenter John Humphrys, former MP and war correspondent Martin Bell and broadcaster Michael Buerk.

“The trip is free, but there is no fee for the lectures,” he added.

Mr Opik, best known for dating Cheeky Girl Gabriela Irimi and TV weathergirl Sian Lloyd, was unavailable to comment. His constituency manager Rhiain Selby declined to comment today.

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