Should HOL remain unelected?

Question 1

experience in HOL

Answer 1

1. Lord Walton- former president of the BMA
2. Baroness Lawrence Campaigner for racial justice contributes expertise in social justice– Mother of Stephen Lawrence for community work​

Question 2

How there is better representation recently

Answer 2

1. HL Bill 2024-25 which will remove the remaining 92 peers
2. there were no women before the 1958 life peerages Act– which allowed life peers who werent hereditary– now 30% women

Question 3

HOL independence from party politics

Answer 3

1. nearly 25 % of the HOL are crossbench PMs– non partisan – not seeking party approval
2. no party discipline/ do not need to be re-elected meaning they can effectively scruitise– BJ removed the whip from 21 MPs over brexit–> an elected house could cause gridlock and govt inefficiency if the houses cannot decide on legislation

Question 4

lack of representation/ democracy

Answer 4

1. HOL is predominantly white, male and the average age is over 70
2. only 6% are ethnic minorities
3. Only 30% women vs HOC 40%

Question 5

HOL as not legitimate– example of corruption

Answer 5

1. Political patronage- David cameron proposed Anthony bamford for peerage on account of his contributions to business however notably had given considerable sums the conservative party – superdonor
2. however not being elected is not a good solution majority of MPs elected on less than a 30 pc majority of their constituency vote– elected HOL undermines authority of HOC

Question 6

HOL undermines elected commons

Answer 6

1. During his time as PM, Blair was only defeated 4 times in HOC but 430 times in HOL
2. Brexit Bills (2017–2019): The Lords repeatedly amended key Brexit legislation, frustrating government timelines.

3.The HoL is limited to the powers stated in the HOL acts 1911 and 1949