LORDS REFORM: 'LISTEN TO THE PUBLIC' - TYLER

Liberal Democrat Peer, Lord (Paul) Tyler this afternoon (Wednesday) challenged opponents of Lords Reform to listen to public opinion.

Speaking in the House of Lords following a statement on Lords Reform from the Lord Chancellor, Lord Tyler said, “Is it not important to obtain and retain public consent for the institutions of parliamentary democracy?” 

Pointing out that a substantial opinion poll by the Hansard Society, published on Monday, showed that 82% were in favour of a majority elected component in the reformed House, with only a six percent in favour a fully appointed chamber, he urged the Government to recognise the people’s right to be heard.

Lord Tyler observed “if any of the Government’s other policies received the support of 82% of the public, the Prime Minister would be a much happier man.”  

In reply, Lord Falconer agreed wholeheartedly that the reform of the Lords should not just be a matter for politicians but that the public had every right to have their say. 

Commenting after the exchange, Lord Tyler said:

“Some of the old guard in the Lords seem to be treating this issue as if we were discussing the rules of entry to a Victorian Gentlemen’s Club.  I hope that constituents will now put pressure on MPs to end the longest running Whitehall farce of all – and reach a democratic conclusion.”

ENDS

Note to Editors: 
The Hansard Society poll is available at: http://www.hansardsociety.org.uk/node/view/704