Lord Speaker to call for consensus-based approach to Lords reform in major speech

The Lord Speaker, Lord McFall of Alcluith, will set out his three principles for a consensus-based approach in his first major speech on the future of the Lords in Westminster tonight (Hansard Society Parliamentary Affairs Anniversary Lecture, Wednesday 7 December, 7.30pm, Portcullis House. The text will be available shortly after delivery.)

The speech will say:

“The House of Lords needs to keep up with the times, if it doesn’t, it will decline. And that’s bad for our politics and our democracy...it provides significant added value to parliamentary scrutiny and revision and is distinct from and complementary to the House of Commons.”

• On the concept of a wholly elected House of Lords:

“A wholly elected House could present fundamental challenges and threaten both the balance of our constitution and our capability across Parliament to deliver good and effective legislation.”

• On public opinion about reform of the Lords:

“Voters make their decisions based upon the issues that matter to them – and while I think that the future of the House of Lords is important I am not certain it ranks above topics such as health, education and the economy for most voters.”

• On why any reform will require consensus and buy-in from across the political spectrum:

“We need to be clear that reform proposals, if they are to be viable, need engagement and endorsement from Government, from political parties across Parliament...previous failed attempts at far-reaching change illustrate that without agreement across parties even the most worthy proposals could be found wanting.”

• On reducing the size of the House and the appointments system:

“I believe we need to see reform of an institution which is performing an important and valuable constitutional role. The Lords should be smaller, more inclusive, and more representative of all parts of the United Kingdom. Membership of the legislature is a serious responsibility and brings with it a duty of public service. It is not a reward.”

• On continuing the work of the Burns Committee

“The cross-party Burns Committee has worked well across the House in seeking compromise and consensus on the way forward; and is keen to do so again. In light of the current debate and the sharp focus on our Chamber it is essential that Lord Burns and his colleagues continue to take this work forward. With the right support, the Committee can reach out beyond the House to engage in a fundamental, consensus-based review of workable options, setting out recommendations for a way forward.”

• Baroness Taylor of Bolton, Chair of the Hansard Society said: 

“With the future of the House of Lords once again in the spotlight, it is important to think carefully about what kind of second Chamber we want: what its role, function, membership and powers should be. It’s an issue of constitutional concern to the Hansard Society so we are delighted to host the Lord Speaker’s contribution to this debate.”