Article by Cllr Dick Cole published in the Cornish Guardian and West Briton newspapers (1st January 2025)

The House of Lords is an anachronism that has no place in a modern democracy. From my perspective, it is wrong that people get appointed to a second chamber for life. I know that the Labour Party’s most recent manifesto stated it is “committed to replacing the House of Lords with an alternative second chamber that is more representative of the regions and nations.” But I am really disappointed at the speed, which they are seeking to deal with this archaic and undemocratic institution comprising over 800 unelected individuals.

The immediate reform going through due process is the removal of the last 92 hereditary peers, via the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill, and there is a promise to introduce a retirement age of 80.

I know I wrote about this topic only about ten weeks or so ago, when I described the Bill as a wasted opportunity and expressed the view that more far-reaching reforms should have been brought forward. But I am so frustrated that 38 new peers have been created by the Government – 30 Labour, six Conservative and two Liberal Democrat. Many are former MPs / MEPs / parliamentarians in devolved administrations. Some had stood down from their positions but some were defeated – but have been brought straight back into positions of political power.

One recently-defeated MP, who now has a place in the House of Lords, was previously very critical of how the Conservatives had used the honours system, which she described as “rewarding cronies,” adding “that’s just not on.” Strangely, she didn’t seem so concerned about her own appointment, now that her “side” are in charge.

She said: “I’m grateful to the Prime Minister for giving me this opportunity to serve the country and support the Labour government he leads to transform the UK.” Supporters of the House of Lords claim that it is needed so that legislation from the House of Commons can receive proper scrutiny. But how likely is this to be achieved through people who state their role is to “support” the Government?

I agree with Labour grandee Alastair Campbell, who recently stated: “We are a 21st century country with 19th century politics built into the system. The only reason a progressive-minded person should take a peerage is to do all they can to get rid of the Lords. We need a total overhaul of our constitution, and the way politics is done. Politics is not working and won’t work until we admit that the systems we complacently take for granted are among the reasons so many people feel alienated from the whole bloody thing!”