House of Cronies

Government Ditches Elections for the Lords 17 July 2003

In a statement published by the Department for Constitutional Affairs today the Government showed its contempt for a democratic House of Lords by proposing a second chamber based entirely on a system of appointments.  It has avoided the issue of elections for the Lords and instead focussed on the minor issue of expulsion of the remaining hereditary peers. 

The Government mistakenly claims that there is no consensus for elections to the House of Lords. Members of the Joint Committee on Lords Reform put aside party differences, found consensus and offered the government options for a way forward which have been ignored.

When MPs voted on Lords Reform in February, more than half voted for a majority- elected second chamber.  The fact that they could not agree on the exact percentage make-up of elected/appointed members is not the issue - they clearly rejected an appointed House of Lords.

"Karen Bartlett, Director of Charter88, said "It is scandalous that the government has

disregarded the majority of MPs of all parties, as well as the people of this country who want a majority-elected second chamber.  Charter88 have always campaigned for an elected second chamber. We have support from of members of the public, representatives from all political parties, as well as the leading thinktanks. How can this be ignored?

Our YouGov opinion poll published in January showed that the public rejects the government's proposal for an appointed House of Lords. Only 3% of those questioned favoured a fully appointed chamber, whereas  83% wanted over half of the second chamber to be elected.

Tony Blair has reneged on his Manifesto promise for an elected second chamber.  We have a situation whereby our Prime Minister is preaching democracy for the countries around the world, but is unwilling to make our own Parliament fully democratic.  What does that say about the state of democracy in the UK?" 

Press & Campaigns Officer: 020 8880 6088 press@charter88.org.uk