Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Democratic House of Lords?

MPs have voted for a fully elected House of Lords (non British readers please bear with this - there are some people here still who don't feel that governments should be fully elected...):

The proposal for a 100% elected Upper House of Parliament was carried by a margin of 113, gaining the greatest support of any of seven options for the future of the Lords.

Although the vote is merely indicative and does not automatically become law, it will weigh heavily when the Government comes to draw up legislation for reform of the Second Chamber.
This is wonderful news. It's not certain to happen, but a proper democracy, with limitations on and balances within government powers is seriously overdue in the UK.

What's more, it would mean no more Bishops in the Lords, and therefore end the calls for representatives of other religions to have seats. That would be the best news since female suffrage.

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