House of Lords Reform

Anyone who knows even the slightest bit about proportional representation would agree that the list system falls into the realm of proportional representation, which is a policy that the Liberal Democrats have espoused for many years. It is regrettable that the White Paper has not demonstrated the boldness that this subject deserves and that it is a fudge to accommodate a divided Cabinet. In short, it is regrettable that the White Paper is not democratic enough. As for the hereditary peers, my party supports their removal from the other place, but only if they are replaced with elected Members. I very much hope that the Government will honour the then Lord Chancellor’s commitment. The issue of primacy is of concern to all Members of the House, but it is not a new or insurmountable issue and it should not be viewed in such cautious terms. The Father of the House, among others, expressed his concern, but primacy has changed over the centuries, as the democratic and representative nature of Parliament has changed. The hon. Member for Rhondda (Chris Bryant) spoke of what we are discussing being the next stage in the evolutionary process.