Government unveils Lords' reform proposals

Thursday, 18 September 2003 12:00 AM

The remaining 92 hereditary peers will lose their right to sit in the House of Lords, under proposals published by the Government today.

The selection of their replacements will be overseen by a new statutory Appointments Commission, which will decide on the number and timing of appointments, nominate non-party peers and vet the nominations for party-peers.

The plans will also bring to an end any hopes disgraced peer Jeffrey Archer harboured about returning to the House through a retrospective provision to disqualify members who have been imprisoned, bringing the Upper House into line with the House of Commons.

Constitutional Affairs Secretary, Lord Falconer of Thoroton, who announced the plans, said: 'We do not believe that this difference of treatment can any longer be justified. In future such peers will forfeit their membership of the House exactly as they would if they were MPs.'

Lord Falconer also offered an olive branch to the remaining hereditary peers, who number among them the Tory leader in the House of Lords, Lord Strathclyde. In paying tribute to their contribution he said: 'I hope that we shall continue to benefit from the contribution of at least some of them should they be nominated as life peers in the future.'

The plans also include provisions to permit peers to resign their peerages and membership of House of Lords, and further consultation on the multiple roles of the Lord Chancellor.

However, the plans do not go far enough for many MPs and campaign groups. Ahead of the announcement, Karen Bartlett Director of Charter said: 'The Government say they want to listen but refuses to hear the majority of MP's and the public who want a majority elected second chamber.'

She added: 'During a period in which public trust in politicians is at an all time low, these proposals send a clear message to the public that accountability and both electors and elections are regarded as tiresome inconveniences to be avoided wherever possible.'

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