CABINET RECOGNITION OF CONSENSUS 'ENCOURAGING' - TYLER

Former Liberal Democrat Shadow Leader of the Commons, Paul (now Lord) Tyler today (Thursday) welcomed reports in today’s Independent that the Cabinet is to allow MPs a vote on the future composition of the House of Lords.

Commenting Lord Tyler said:

“It's encouraging that the Cabinet is prepared to recognise the consensus for a majority elected second chamber.  It's also good news that the Commons will avoid the absurd deadlock of February 2003.  A preferential voting system to get the most-supported answer will be a good precedent for a preferential voting system for the second chamber elections themselves.  

“It's worth remembering that if four Conservative MPs had not misunderstood the instructions on the Commons screen, the House would have voted for an 80% elected second chamber.  And presumably, by now, that's what we would be working towards.

“The Government is keen to assert the primacy of the Commons.  It’s vital, therefore, that this further Commons vote determines the way forward, rather than allowing wrecking tactics in the Lords to bury reform.

“The Prime Minister must not allow the turkeys a veto on Christmas."