This week sees the beginning of the long summer recess for both the Lords and Commons, but with the Lords working an extra day. This ought not be remarkable as long as events are proceeding in a normal way. But they are not. The Commons finish on Tuesday. For a small group of backbenchers who…
Although I think the House of Lords is too large and needs to be reduced in size I don’t think the discussion about reform should start with that particular issue. We can and probably will be reducing the size in the reasonably near future. The bigger question is what do we want our second chamber to…
The Constitution Unit at University College London has today published a report arguing that there should be a moratorium on the creation of peerages. It contends: ‘The House of Lords’ effective functioning has already been compromised by the recent rapid rise in membership, in ways which are damaging its effectiveness. Any further increase in size…
We have been allowed to use iPads in the chamber of the House of Lords, so I have bought one. After a couple of weeks of use it is clear to me that we should not consider issuing them to members. Not that the iPad is a bad device. I am enjoying using mine. But…
I and other bloggers attended a reception this evening – held in the River Room of the House of Lords, courtesy of the Lord Speaker – to mark the third birthday of Lords of the Blog. We welcomed many of you who comment regularly on the blog and were free to join us. Apart from hearing…
