How to reform House of Lords

I WAS greatly concerned to read His Majesty’s Official Opposition want to turn The House of Lords into an elected chamber. This would be very dangerous as it would remove experts from our system. Thus, effective scrutiny of legislation would be lessened.

It is essential that the current Government reforms The House of Lords before any future Labour Government has the chance to turn it into an elected second chamber. It is clear The House of Lords does need reform as it has been abused by all parties to cram supporters in over the years. However, in advance political systems, such as America, there is always a way for experts to be part of the system.

I have reflected and come to the following conclusion: Reduce The House of Lords to 500 and then have the following: 50 hereditary peers, 50 religious leaders (all faiths), 50 ex-politicians, 50 people from business, 50 from sport and culture, 50 from the regions, 50 from law backgrounds, 50 ex-armed forces, 50 people from educational backgrounds and 50 from the renewable energy sector. Each one to serve a five-year term renewable twice, apart from religious leaders and ex-prime ministers who keep their position for as long as they are in the role/ they wish to be politically active. Upon retirement they keep the title. All appointments apart from political (these would be appointed as a percentage of the last five elections) and religious (role based on being in the job) should be made by an independent panel that assesses the merits of people’s appointments and how they would benefit the good governance of the UK as a whole.

This idea does need refinement. However, I do think it gives the Government the post effective counter plan to His Majesty’s Official Opposition idea that it should be an elected second chamber.

It takes into account concerns people have about its size and use and removes cronies.