Menu
19/03/2004
Hereditary peers win reprieve on Labour retreat
Labour's plans to remove the remaining hereditary peers from the House of Lords have been put on hold until after the next general election.
The prime minister is understood to have taken the advice from the deputy prime minister John Prescott and the Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer that the plans were unlikely to be advanced before the next general election.
In 1999 most of the hereditary peers lost the right to vote in the House of Lords, but 92 Lords were allowed to stay on. Since then a fierce debate has raged over whether the last hereditary peers should be removed prior to a decision being reached on the final form of the constitutional upper chamber.
The government has become increasingly frustrated with the House of Lords.
Today, speaking to BBC Radio 4 Lord Falconer said that a recent decision to pass on plans for a supreme court to a special select committee meant that the bill would not pass through the Lords at this sitting of parliament.
Lord Falconer told the BBC: "The Lords have indicated clearly they are going to resist. The leader of the Conservative party said that he would fight every part of our legislative programme."
One area of contention is the plan by Conservatives to retain the Law Lords with an otherwise all-elected upper chamber.
With no political consensus forthcoming over the selection process and the constitutional complications caused by the various options proposed by Labour it may take at least two years to reform the House of Lords.
(SP)
The prime minister is understood to have taken the advice from the deputy prime minister John Prescott and the Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer that the plans were unlikely to be advanced before the next general election.
In 1999 most of the hereditary peers lost the right to vote in the House of Lords, but 92 Lords were allowed to stay on. Since then a fierce debate has raged over whether the last hereditary peers should be removed prior to a decision being reached on the final form of the constitutional upper chamber.
The government has become increasingly frustrated with the House of Lords.
Today, speaking to BBC Radio 4 Lord Falconer said that a recent decision to pass on plans for a supreme court to a special select committee meant that the bill would not pass through the Lords at this sitting of parliament.
Lord Falconer told the BBC: "The Lords have indicated clearly they are going to resist. The leader of the Conservative party said that he would fight every part of our legislative programme."
One area of contention is the plan by Conservatives to retain the Law Lords with an otherwise all-elected upper chamber.
With no political consensus forthcoming over the selection process and the constitutional complications caused by the various options proposed by Labour it may take at least two years to reform the House of Lords.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 September 2003
Hereditary peers to go in Lords reform package
Under proposals for Lords reform, the government will remove the remaining 92 hereditary peers sitting in the second chamber and set up a statutory Appointments Commission to select and oversee appointments to the House of Lords.
Hereditary peers to go in Lords reform package
Under proposals for Lords reform, the government will remove the remaining 92 hereditary peers sitting in the second chamber and set up a statutory Appointments Commission to select and oversee appointments to the House of Lords.
28 August 2009
Peer-To-MP 'Cool Off' Period
Constitutional reform, which would allow life peers to resign, will be amended to ensure former lords cannot stands as MPs for five years. According to reports, Justice Secretary Jack Straw, who is heading up Parliamentary changes, will introduce a "cooling off" period to ensure ex-lords cannot automatically contest a Commons seat.
Peer-To-MP 'Cool Off' Period
Constitutional reform, which would allow life peers to resign, will be amended to ensure former lords cannot stands as MPs for five years. According to reports, Justice Secretary Jack Straw, who is heading up Parliamentary changes, will introduce a "cooling off" period to ensure ex-lords cannot automatically contest a Commons seat.
02 February 2009
Straw Pledges Lords Reforms
Rogue lords found guilty of corruption could be permanently banned from Parliament, under proposals brought forward by the government yesterday. Justice Secretary Jack Straw insisted more robust penalties are needed to reprimand those found exploiting their political influence.
Straw Pledges Lords Reforms
Rogue lords found guilty of corruption could be permanently banned from Parliament, under proposals brought forward by the government yesterday. Justice Secretary Jack Straw insisted more robust penalties are needed to reprimand those found exploiting their political influence.
14 March 2013
Peers Warn UK 'Woefully Underprepared' For Aging Population
A Lords committee has warned that "the gift of longer life" could lead to "a series of crises" in public service provision, saying the UK is "woefully underprepared" for the social and economic challenges presented by an ageing society.
Peers Warn UK 'Woefully Underprepared' For Aging Population
A Lords committee has warned that "the gift of longer life" could lead to "a series of crises" in public service provision, saying the UK is "woefully underprepared" for the social and economic challenges presented by an ageing society.
27 January 2009
Speed Up Lords Reforms, Says Parliamentary Chair
The MP heading up the public administration select committee has called for a speedier reform of the rules imposed on peers, against the backdrop of alleged 'sleaze' in the Upper Chamber. Dr Tony Wright said changes were need "within months, not years", in order to avoid diminished public faith in the political process.
Speed Up Lords Reforms, Says Parliamentary Chair
The MP heading up the public administration select committee has called for a speedier reform of the rules imposed on peers, against the backdrop of alleged 'sleaze' in the Upper Chamber. Dr Tony Wright said changes were need "within months, not years", in order to avoid diminished public faith in the political process.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
