Lord Lucas had a question down yesterday on the committee that has been established to draft a Bill for an elected second chamber. The committee will comprise a mix of ministers and Opposition figures, though – unlike the committee created by Jack Straw – with no one from the cross benches. There was an interesting exchange between the Archbishop of Canterbury and the minister, Lord McNally:
“The Archbishop of Canterbury: My Lords, given the historic role of this Chamber as representing the interests of non-partisan civil society, will the Minister give us some assurance that the proposals before us do not represent an increase in underlining the partisan character of this House? I speak of course with some interest from these Benches and with the Cross Benches in mind.
Lord McNally: I understand the interest that has been expressed. I can say only that the committee will take such considerations into its deliberations. Its conclusions will be reflected in the final draft Bill which will be presented for scrutiny by a Joint Committee of both Houses.”
It will be interesting to see how the committee thinks non-partisan civil society can be represented – and avoid an increase in the partisan character of the House – in a chamber that is elected and in which the political parties will be centrally engaged.
Democracy at work !!
Stitch up yet again, usual channels ! And these are often the people who talk of PR being better…Huh !
Dear Lord Norton (and affected People);
After noting our Archbishop’s question and statements therein, and replies thereto, it seems to be my humble duty to submit now that any of my other replies or comments, notably perhaps to other Posts in this LordsOfTheBlog website, that may contain relevant ideas, constructive-submissions or material, might be taken into consideration, please ?
I have to agree with His Lordship the Archbishop. An Elected CHamber fits withthe popular notions of Democracy, but the Democratic Promise of Equality and fairness really never materialises, and instead we get an endless situation in which peopel simply bicker over hwo shoudl be voted in, and parties at war. It will lead only to Partisain divisions in the House, and not to well reasoned reflected arguments.
Personally I dn’t see how this new scheme will help, and do see how it will hurt, the United Kingdom.
May God guide us all then.