We hear this morning that the government are proposing another constitutional reform bill. It seems to amount to another couple of tiny steps making the farce that is the House of Lords even worse. If the bill is passed it will mean no new hereditary peers, it will also allow for peers to resign. Thus making it possible for Peter Mandelson to return to the commons. Far be it from me to suggest that this may be an important reason for the clause.
The problem with this bill is that it adds nothing to the democratic process. The Lords had their teeth removed long ago (before they would have fallen out on their own). They have no power. It is time to take the plunge and have a properly constituted second chamber. Elected peers are the only answer, but the elections should not be at the same time as general elections, nor should they be at the whim of the Prime Minister. I suggest a fixed term - say 7 years, for some continuity. When it done, its done - no re-election. If you resign the next person gets 7 years from the 'by-election'. There should be no bar on ex-peers standing in another constituency.
Election should be by proportional representation (particular flavour is TBA).
If the second chamber is to retain its 'traditional' role, it should have the power to throw out legislation altogether, but more importantly it should have a strong revising role. Then perhaps the mother of parliaments can start teaching the children again.
Otherwise its just tinkering - as usual.
And I thought our American politics were complicated!
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