With a ban on bonuses, Fred Goodwin could even have kept his knighthood | Simon Jenkins

Even bankers want the bonus culture outlawed. It's a conspiracy to extract money from firms that properly belongs to others

Ban bonuses. They are mad. Discretionary gifts to top executives from company funds should be considered a malpractice. Most British directors are paid exceptionally well – over 40% more last year according to one report – and if the result is exceptional that is right and proper. Profits should be returned to those who own them, the risk-bearing shareholders. That is...