The momentum for Lords reform is growing Reform often comes through an unusual mix of factors. They stir up within a short space of time – until the whole strange potion explodes. It feels like we might be witnessing that process right... Posted 10 Mar 2017
The House of Lords effectively has seats reserved for men The House of Lords is back in spotlight this morning, last night having again challenged the government’s Brexit plans by voting 336 to 268 for Parliament to be granted a meaningful vote on the final... Posted 08 Mar 2017
Lords scandals do a disservice to our democracy – including our MPs If there’s one thing that’s certain about politics in these volatile times, it’s that MPs aren’t exactly flavour of the month. In fact, they’re ranked below bankers and estate agents when it comes to trust. But they... Posted 02 Mar 2017
‘Meet the Lords’ lays bare the scandalous situation in the upper chamber Another year, another round of Lords scandals. This time, it’s revelations that a peer left a taxi waiting outside Parliament while he went inside to register for his daily £300 allowance – and then return to hop... Posted 28 Feb 2017
Lords reform shouldn’t be a threat – it’s a core part of ‘taking back control’ Lords have begun debating the Article 50 Bill. With 191 speakers lined up and plenty of amendments tabled, it’s a fascinating moment for democracy and Britain’s constitution. What we’re witnessing is this: legislation that resulted from... Posted 20 Feb 2017
The inquiry on cutting the Lords risks looking like a stitch up Back in December, the House of Lords voted unanimously to back the statement “that this House believes that its size should be reduced, and methods should be explored by which this could be achieved”. It... Posted 14 Feb 2017
How to shrink the Lords: have your say today If you think the House of Lords is in dire need of a shakeup, it’s time to tell Peers what you think. An inquiry by the Lord Speaker’s committee is looking at how to shrink our bloated upper chamber.... Posted 07 Feb 2017
Cutting numbers can’t be the end of the road for Lords reform It’s a sad but true fact that, in general, it’s not good news that brings the need for Lords reform to the fore in British politics. But on Monday, a packed chamber of Peers gathered... Posted 07 Dec 2016
1,000 new Peers? No thanks “If the Lords was obstructive we would just have to create 1,000 peers.” So said Jacob Rees-Mogg MP on Thursday, following the High Court’s ruling that MPs will have a vote on the triggering of Article... Posted 07 Nov 2016
The ludicrousness of hereditary peer by-elections The British constitution, its parliament and its institutions are well known for its oddities and eccentricities: the space provided in the Commons cloakroom for MPs to hang their sword; the fact that all swans in... Posted 15 Sep 2016