House of Lords - does anyone care?

[FantasticDaisyArtichoke]

Commons has voted for Elected Lords

Maybe not.

But we should.

The Lords is the only place where the Government are really challenged at the moment. I attended a debate on a Euthansia Bill there once and it was an amazing debate with contributions from members who were doctors, lawyers, campaigners, lawyers etc. None of these people would be the type to stand for election as they have careers already. All the high profile Government defeats since 1997 have been in the Lords. At the moment it is made up of experts (and a few rich cronies who obviously have to go). People like Robert Winston, nobel prize winning scientists, intellectuals (e.g. Melvyn Bragg), experiences and successful ex Minsiters etc. When a government proposal comes to the Lords people who actually know about it, and work in the field, can debate it. In the Commons it is just debated by career politicians who are told how to talk and vote by Whips. Now they are going to make the Lords like that to.

Imagine. You are a not very talented political wannabee. Not good enough to get elected to the Commons, not even the European Parliament, so you stand for the Lords and get elected. Instead of accomplished professionals you will get 3rd rate politicians who follow their whips just like the Commons.

Does anyone else care? Or am I weird?

I take your point but how can you feel comftorable having people help make laws when there is nobody there that represents you?

I have to say, i have always liked the fact that the house of lords is an eclectic mix of people rather than another elected house.
They generally have people in the House of Lords who have lived life and are experienced. I suppose it can be problematic ensuring they are balanced though.

I feel I should support a 100% elected second chamber but somehow there is something gloriously random about people being there merely by birth or because they possess particular knowledge. I'm probably very naive but it seems at the moment they're not just out for themselves, like MP's.

Yay - I am not alone.

I know it seems wrong not to support 100% elected but the quality of some MPs and local government members shows that election does not necessarily result in the most intelligent, considerate people getting the job.

I don't think Peers are out for themselves like MPs are, and I think that is partly because they are not elected. If you are constantly worried about re-election then you are more likely to toe the party line. If you don't obey the whips then your party may de-select you or voters loyal to your party will not vote for you. Don't get me wrong I am not anti-election - I just think our Parliament at the moment has a nice balance of members. No method of election will result in such a colourful, clever, varied mass of members as the Lords has at the mo.