THE HOUSE OF LORDS REFORM
VOTES
IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS
It was said to be the most important change to our
constitutional system for over 300 years and yet the votes were
entered into in a light hearted almost carnival atmosphere as all
present, including officers of the House, were agog to see if MPs
could do any better than on the previous occasion when we voted
against every option for change.
We did do better but I have my doubts if we
came up with the best option.
First there was a majority of 253 in favour of
keeping a second chamber. A fully appointed House was rejected with
a majority of 179 and I was on the winning side in both those
divisions.
The options of 80% and 60% appointed with 20% and
40% elected were not called to a division. The next two options
which I voted for were lost. These were 50% and 60% elected with 50%
and 40% appointed.
Then the option for 80% elected and 20% appointed
won with a majority of 38 and after this the wholly elected
alternative won by 113 votes.
As two
options were approved no one knows how this will be resolved.
The Leader of the House, Rt Hon Jack Straw MP,
told us that he would now recall the cross party working group and
then make a statement to the House in due course.
No one could tie him down to anything more definite.
I have to own up and admit I voted on the
losing side for these two options that were approved because I have
seen just how effective an opposition the present House of Lords can
be.
I believe this is largely because of its existing
members, mostly appointed, many of whom are experts in their own
fields.
Also the present mechanism makes sure that there is a healthy
proportion of Cross Bench Peers (Independents) and no election
system will ensure that.
The final two divisions were on the future of the
remaining hereditary peers. A large majority voted for them to be
removed and a smaller majority preferred not even to wait for this
until elected members will have taken their places. Again I was
on the losing side because I know the tremendous value of some
of the dedicated, hard working, well-informed hereditary peers.
We now have to wait for final decisions as
these votes, after all, were only to show the mood of the House.
R.T.
