Dennis the 'Bloody Peasant'
27th June 2012, 11:18
So long as we are lumbered with a parliamentary democracy with parties that only represent themselves, we might as well make it as democratic as possible (elected officials in both chambers). But of course, as with most ideas that involve change and reform, a lot conservatives are against it.
Your thoughts?
The government is to unveil its long-awaited plans for a mostly elected House of Lords later, in the face of a possible rebellion by Conservative MPs.
The cabinet agreed on Tuesday to push for 80% of the house to be chosen by voters. The number of peers is also expected to be almost halved from 800.
Many Tory MPs believe constitutional change should not be a priority and up to 100 are expected to oppose the bill.
Labour is backing change, despite opposition from some of its MPs.
Changes to the Lords were promised by all three main parties at the last general election, but Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and his fellow Liberal Democrats are seen as the main driving force behind the coalition government's plans.
The plans are to be outlined in the House of Commons at 12:30 BST, after Prime Minister's Questions.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, who is also Liberal Democrat leader, is the driving force behind Lords changes, which will also see the number of peers reduced to 450.
This number is higher than the previous plan for 300 members, after a committee of MPs suggested this might make Parliament's second chamber too small to do its job of scrutinising legislation properly.
But some opponents, including many on the Conservative benches, argue that this could undermine the supremacy of the Commons by creating a rival chamber.
(More at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-18602587)
Your thoughts?
The government is to unveil its long-awaited plans for a mostly elected House of Lords later, in the face of a possible rebellion by Conservative MPs.
The cabinet agreed on Tuesday to push for 80% of the house to be chosen by voters. The number of peers is also expected to be almost halved from 800.
Many Tory MPs believe constitutional change should not be a priority and up to 100 are expected to oppose the bill.
Labour is backing change, despite opposition from some of its MPs.
Changes to the Lords were promised by all three main parties at the last general election, but Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and his fellow Liberal Democrats are seen as the main driving force behind the coalition government's plans.
The plans are to be outlined in the House of Commons at 12:30 BST, after Prime Minister's Questions.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, who is also Liberal Democrat leader, is the driving force behind Lords changes, which will also see the number of peers reduced to 450.
This number is higher than the previous plan for 300 members, after a committee of MPs suggested this might make Parliament's second chamber too small to do its job of scrutinising legislation properly.
But some opponents, including many on the Conservative benches, argue that this could undermine the supremacy of the Commons by creating a rival chamber.
(More at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-18602587)