house of lords?

[el duerino]

important check on the party whip system or outdated infringement on the democratic process?

[bernardo]

The former. An appointed House of Lords would be better than an elected one because it allows for a greater range of experience and expertise.

[derbyram]

bernardo at last a kindred spirit! I've been banging on about the mistake of reforming the Lords in the current haphazard manner for ages but people just think I'm angling for a heriditary peerage.

[GuavaHalf]

Agree entirely with bernardo and derbyram. Elements of the old system, such as hereditary peers were wrong but the concept of an appointed house is a good one. Surely a fully elected house would give us two houses of commons.

[GuavaHalf]

I think the problem is the public perception of a bunch of ageing cronies treating the place as a club. People need a little more awareness of what actually goes on. Unfortunately not many people are going to sit down and watch BBC Parliment on Sky!

[straz]

When the public are asked "Do you want an elected House of Lords?", we are led to believe the majority say yes. I wonder what the answer would be if the question was "Do you wish to see 300 plus more politicians in parliament?". Because that is exactly what they would be, same old side stepping of questions with a constant eye on what "The Sun" comic is saying & their current standing in the opinion poles, a large proportion of them would be barristers (as is the house of commons) which hardly produces a true cross section on society. I find it interesting when former MP's are elevated into the Lords, how they often start to say what they think rather than tow the party line as they no longer have spectre of general elections & deselection boards hanging over them. I'm all for an appointed Lords but I'm not sure how you could stop nepotism creeping in & ensure it truly represents society as a whole.

[bernardo]

Actually I would not say no to an hereditary HoL either - I would support it on the random-selection principle (i.e. accident of birth) rather than the hereditary principle

[Oneeyedvic]

Brilliant idea Bernardo - - make it compulsory for 4 years at a time - bit like an extended jury service - a few exemptions if needs be, but most people will have to do it. Oh My - what am I saying - I am agreeing with Bernardo - think I'll go into a corner and re-establish my values *sob*

[bernardo]

Why would there be anything odd about agreeing with Bernardo? It's a perfectly normal thing which is done by all normal people all the time.

[Oneeyedvic]

Normal - I sincerely hope I am not.