House of Lords Reform

I will give way in a second. I know that the hon. Gentleman wants to ask me about the bishops—[Interruption.]—or at least that is my guess. Whatever it is I am happy to take his question, but perhaps he will let me catch my breath before I take the next intervention. There was agreement, too, about the need to ensure that membership of the reformed House reflected the gender and racial diversity of the United Kingdom, and the range of religious opinion. All agreed that the special arrangements for membership of the House by a limited number of hereditary peers should come to an end. The group agreed that a long transition, with new Members phased in, would be essential to the success of any reform, and that Members should serve a lengthy, single term of office. Restricting the period of office to one term with no prospect of re-election was a key royal commission recommendation to ensure that elected Members of the second Chamber played a different role from that of MPs, and to prevent them from becoming rivals competing for popular support.