The House of Lords isn’t fit for purpose, here are five systems that could replace it
Boris bunging 30 peerages to his cronies shows yet again why the House of Lords isn’t fit for purpose. But there are better systems out there. Here are five alternatives from around the world.
Britain’s reputation declines as Johnson stuffs Lords with appointments
The country’s ability to speak up for democracy abroad has taken a major self-inflicted hit.
Lording it over us: Peers’ expenses free-for-all continues
New evidence of expenses claims make it clear that a new scandal is on the way unless the chamber is urgently reformed.
Indicative votes: Plan to break Brexit deadlock could end up revealing extent of division
Senior political figures want a series of indicative votes among MPs to decide Brexit – but the system has often thrown up more problems than it solves.
Lords lost in stasis as fake reforms go nowhere
Efforts to whittle down the size of the House of Lords are laughably ineffective and reliant on Theresa May’s discretion.
Westminster’s private members club: Analysis of peers shows the need for urgent change
People are calling for the Lords to be abolished for they represent neither the UK’s population, nor their political views.
There is suddenly a chance of cross-party talks on Lords reform
The problems with the House of Lords as it currently exists can hardly be understated. Labour’s 2017 manifesto pledge to reduce the size of the House of Lords was a stepping stone towards the “fundamental belief” in a fully-elected second chamber.
MPs need lords to be their grandparents, peer suggests
Lady Hayman, a senior member in the House of Lords, suggested in select committee hearing on Lords reform that the establishment benefits from older peers with experience.
Gay marriage bill survives Lords wrecking motion
Peers voted down a last-minute ‘fatal motion’ which would have killed off gay marriage this evening, after two days of debate.
Misbehaving lords could be stripped of peerages
The government could legislate to ensure misbehaving peers are booted out of the Lords, Nick Clegg has suggested, as lobbyists face permanent expulsion from parliament.
