The facts are clear: We can’t afford to let the Lords go unreformed Tomasina Wallman is a University of Nottingham Research Placement student with the Electoral Reform Society. The evidence is stronger than ever. The House of Lords is a drain not only on our democracy, but on... Posted 16 Nov 2017
The proposed Lords reforms are sticking plaster politics: Peers are writing their own rules We’re at a rare point in politics. There is almost a consensus on the need for change –to cut down the supersized House of Lords. At the end of this month, a key Lords committee... Posted 19 Oct 2017
Enough is enough – it’s time for a full review of Lords’ expenses It seems that each new batch of expenses from the House of Lords is yet another scandal. This weekend we saw fresh revelations – and with it, some pretty egregious abuses of the system. Yesterday... Posted 03 Apr 2017
The momentum for Lords reform is growing Reform often comes through an unusual mix of factors. They stir up within a short space of time – until the whole strange potion explodes. It feels like we might be witnessing that process right... Posted 10 Mar 2017
Lords scandals do a disservice to our democracy – including our MPs If there’s one thing that’s certain about politics in these volatile times, it’s that MPs aren’t exactly flavour of the month. In fact, they’re ranked below bankers and estate agents when it comes to trust. But they... Posted 02 Mar 2017
Lords reform shouldn’t be a threat – it’s a core part of ‘taking back control’ Lords have begun debating the Article 50 Bill. With 191 speakers lined up and plenty of amendments tabled, it’s a fascinating moment for democracy and Britain’s constitution. What we’re witnessing is this: legislation that resulted from... Posted 20 Feb 2017
The ludicrousness of hereditary peer by-elections The British constitution, its parliament and its institutions are well known for its oddities and eccentricities: the space provided in the Commons cloakroom for MPs to hang their sword; the fact that all swans in... Posted 15 Sep 2016