Reform of the House of Lords

I had the opportunity to both listen to him addressing the meeting and to talk to him at length. This had the result of confirming my recent thoughts on the House of Lords and its position in our democratic system.

The House of Lords has had an image for a long time of being a group of unelected elderly men in Ermine edged robes lounging about on red benches and being a drain on the taxpayer and contributing little to true parliamentary proceedings other than pomp and circumstance.

This is not true at all. A visit I made recently to the House of Lords demonstrated that there is indeed plenty of pomp and circumstance but this is equally true of the House of Commons. And surely in the place where the rules governing our daily lives are made, there should be deference and respect. However, members are not all elderly, neither are they all men and I am pleased to say the robes are not always worn. The position of Life Peer attracts no salary, merely an allowance for expenses, but entails a great deal of time spent on the business of the House. And plenty of time is spent on business in the House '“ the time spent on each Bill is not guillotined as in the Commons but each line is considered and any Peer may speak on any amendment.

Lord William Bradshaw '“ who prefers me to call him Bill - spent his working life in the transport industry and three terms as a serving county councillor. He therefore brings a wealth of experience and knowledge which is fully used in the House of Lords by his serving on committees and in working through legislation.

As I write this a Government White Paper is about to be issued continuing its reform of the House of Lords. It will, no doubt make interesting reading. I do hope that any proposed further changes to our parliamentary system will continue to reinforce the Lords as the check on Government legislation that it needs to be.

Liberal Democrats have taken a view that the majority of Peers should be elected, through proportional representation in order that no party has a majority, and that the duration of their term be set. The current system of party appointment, although securing valuable knowledge and experience for the further benefit of government, gives unnecessary political advantage. The second chamber's essential role is one of scrutiny.