Should the House of Lords lose its powers?

THE House of Lords was set up to be a body of wise men acting as a cautionary check to the Commons. It was never intended that it should become an obstacle to democracy. In the light of last week’s vote that could delay Brexit, it is high time we reconsider its usefulness. A cull to just one quarter of the number of peers is warranted.

PETER MALLER, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon. I CAN accept the unelected members of the House of Lords receive a generous allowance to do a reasonable job moderating Government party politics. But if the Lords go against the will of the majority and dictate our destiny, it is time for a change. The monies saved in disbanding this club could go into the NHS, and we could maintain democracy by electing the second house.

MARK HADDON, Higham Ferrers, Northants. INSULTING the House of Lords is offensive. It’s wonderful we have a second chamber to monitor and debate what the House of Commons is doing. Thank goodness the peers are not elected and so are not doing it for money or the sake of their careers. The House of Commons can always overrule them, so what’s the problem? JAMES KELLY, Woodbridge, Suffolk. IF IT were abolished, then the millions that the House of Lords costs taxpayers could help fund care for the elderly. P. L. RADWELL, Grundisburgh, Suffolk. SURELY it is time that this monstrous, unelected body is abolished. Not only is it expensive, it is a thorn in the Government’s side. Theresa May has enough to deal with without the constant negativity emanating from the House of Remoaners. CHRIS PARROTT, Llangollen, Denbighshire.