John Baron MP will vote against an elected House of Lords

MP opposes Coalition reforms

Today in the House of Commons, John Baron MP will vote against Government proposals to reform the House of Lords. The Government intends to reduce the number of members to 450, with 80% of Peers elected and the remaining 20% appointed.

John disagrees with the proposals because:-

• There is no evidence the Lords are currently failing to scrutinise legislation and hold the Government to account. During Tony Blair’s tenure, the Commons defeated the Government four times, whilst the Government lost in the Lords on 460 occasions.
• An elected Lords would inevitably create a legislative logjam between the two Chambers and would challenge the primacy of the Commons. It would also be a significant step towards a written constitution – a major upheaval for little return.
• An elected Lords would be four times more expensive than the current system, necessitating elections, staff salaries and pensions. At a time of national austerity, the creation of an extra 360 elected politicians is unacceptable.

John said,

“The House of Lords would benefit from some reform, particularly when it comes to downsizing and greater independence of the appointments process. However, it continues to do a good job in holding governments to account.”

“An elected second Chamber would create legislative logjam, would be more expensive, and would not improve our politics.”

Ends

Word Count: 232

Date: 10^th July 2012