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02/02/2009
Straw Pledges Lords Reforms
Rogue lords found guilty of corruption could be permanently banned from Parliament, under proposals brought forward by the government yesterday.
Justice Secretary Jack Straw insisted more robust penalties are needed to reprimand those found exploiting their political influence.
At present there are very few options for disciplining a lord found guilty of criminal activity.
Last week a newspaper alleged four Labour peers had been approached to amend laws in return for cash.
A parliamentary investigation has been launched into the claims, which Mr Straw admitted had undermined public confidence in the workings of the Upper Chamber.
"We want to see very, very clear laws brought in that deal with misconduct by members of the House of Lords so that if they commit a criminal offence or something else which is wholly improper then they can be expelled," Mr Straw told Sky News.
"Much of the work of the Lords as a revising chamber is high quality. But the public rightly demands a greater degree of accountability," he said.
Reformation of the House began in 1999, when then Prime Minister Tony Blair radically reduced the number of hereditary peers sitting in parliament.
This made way for more Life Peers, which brought the selection process under close scrutiny, with many accusing the government of cronyism.
Full constitutional amendments to the working of the Lords is yet to be implemented.
It is expected that the Chamber will eventually consist of wholly elected representatives, more akin to Senate seats in other democracies.
Yesterday, former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey wrote in the News of the World: "The House of Lords has been left in limbo by shambolic and half-hearted reform. The appointment of peers by a transparent process rather than political patronage is a matter of the highest priority,
"We must ensure that the second chamber is not merely packed with career politicians, but with people of probity and integrity from every walk of like."
Convicted criminals Jeffrey Archer and Conrad Black, both peers, have never been expelled from the House and are still entitled to contribute to parliament's workings.
At present, members of the cabinet do not have to be directly elected to government.
Such is the case with Business Secretary Peter Mandelson and Communications Minister Stephen Carter, who were both given peerages to allow them to join Gordon Brown's front bench team.
Activists have been campaigning for years in favour of a fully elected lords, while others believe the established system forms part of our heritage, and allows the best minds in various fields to contribute to the function of government.
(PR/JM)
Justice Secretary Jack Straw insisted more robust penalties are needed to reprimand those found exploiting their political influence.
At present there are very few options for disciplining a lord found guilty of criminal activity.
Last week a newspaper alleged four Labour peers had been approached to amend laws in return for cash.
A parliamentary investigation has been launched into the claims, which Mr Straw admitted had undermined public confidence in the workings of the Upper Chamber.
"We want to see very, very clear laws brought in that deal with misconduct by members of the House of Lords so that if they commit a criminal offence or something else which is wholly improper then they can be expelled," Mr Straw told Sky News.
"Much of the work of the Lords as a revising chamber is high quality. But the public rightly demands a greater degree of accountability," he said.
Reformation of the House began in 1999, when then Prime Minister Tony Blair radically reduced the number of hereditary peers sitting in parliament.
This made way for more Life Peers, which brought the selection process under close scrutiny, with many accusing the government of cronyism.
Full constitutional amendments to the working of the Lords is yet to be implemented.
It is expected that the Chamber will eventually consist of wholly elected representatives, more akin to Senate seats in other democracies.
Yesterday, former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey wrote in the News of the World: "The House of Lords has been left in limbo by shambolic and half-hearted reform. The appointment of peers by a transparent process rather than political patronage is a matter of the highest priority,
"We must ensure that the second chamber is not merely packed with career politicians, but with people of probity and integrity from every walk of like."
Convicted criminals Jeffrey Archer and Conrad Black, both peers, have never been expelled from the House and are still entitled to contribute to parliament's workings.
At present, members of the cabinet do not have to be directly elected to government.
Such is the case with Business Secretary Peter Mandelson and Communications Minister Stephen Carter, who were both given peerages to allow them to join Gordon Brown's front bench team.
Activists have been campaigning for years in favour of a fully elected lords, while others believe the established system forms part of our heritage, and allows the best minds in various fields to contribute to the function of government.
(PR/JM)
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18 September 2003
Hereditary peers to go in Lords reform package
Under proposals for Lords reform, the government will remove the remaining 92 hereditary peers sitting in the second chamber and set up a statutory Appointments Commission to select and oversee appointments to the House of Lords.
Hereditary peers to go in Lords reform package
Under proposals for Lords reform, the government will remove the remaining 92 hereditary peers sitting in the second chamber and set up a statutory Appointments Commission to select and oversee appointments to the House of Lords.
28 August 2009
Peer-To-MP 'Cool Off' Period
Constitutional reform, which would allow life peers to resign, will be amended to ensure former lords cannot stands as MPs for five years. According to reports, Justice Secretary Jack Straw, who is heading up Parliamentary changes, will introduce a "cooling off" period to ensure ex-lords cannot automatically contest a Commons seat.
Peer-To-MP 'Cool Off' Period
Constitutional reform, which would allow life peers to resign, will be amended to ensure former lords cannot stands as MPs for five years. According to reports, Justice Secretary Jack Straw, who is heading up Parliamentary changes, will introduce a "cooling off" period to ensure ex-lords cannot automatically contest a Commons seat.
27 January 2009
Speed Up Lords Reforms, Says Parliamentary Chair
The MP heading up the public administration select committee has called for a speedier reform of the rules imposed on peers, against the backdrop of alleged 'sleaze' in the Upper Chamber. Dr Tony Wright said changes were need "within months, not years", in order to avoid diminished public faith in the political process.
Speed Up Lords Reforms, Says Parliamentary Chair
The MP heading up the public administration select committee has called for a speedier reform of the rules imposed on peers, against the backdrop of alleged 'sleaze' in the Upper Chamber. Dr Tony Wright said changes were need "within months, not years", in order to avoid diminished public faith in the political process.
19 March 2004
Hereditary peers win reprieve on Labour retreat
Labour's plans to remove the remaining hereditary peers from the House of Lords have been put on hold until after the next general election.
Hereditary peers win reprieve on Labour retreat
Labour's plans to remove the remaining hereditary peers from the House of Lords have been put on hold until after the next general election.
14 March 2013
Peers Warn UK 'Woefully Underprepared' For Aging Population
A Lords committee has warned that "the gift of longer life" could lead to "a series of crises" in public service provision, saying the UK is "woefully underprepared" for the social and economic challenges presented by an ageing society.
Peers Warn UK 'Woefully Underprepared' For Aging Population
A Lords committee has warned that "the gift of longer life" could lead to "a series of crises" in public service provision, saying the UK is "woefully underprepared" for the social and economic challenges presented by an ageing society.
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