Lords reform success

I've just been to the local Green party monthly business meeting - 32 people turned up - it is very exciting to feel the passion and interest from so many people. Already we are gearing up to elections in May. Anyhow I got back to hear the great news that the House of Commons vote on Lords reform this evening passed two options.

The option for an 80% elected / 20% appointed second chamber passed by a simple majority (ayes: 305; nos: 267). The option for a fully elected second chamber passed by an absolute majority (ayes: 337; nos: 224). Given a straight choice between a hybrid house and a fully elected one, MPs backed the latter. I imagine that David Drew MP also did as he replied to my email on this saying that while he had reservations he would be voting for a fully elected chamber.

A fully elected second chamber has always been the preferred option of the Green party and many campaigners. However it isn't over yet. The House of Lords will be debating its own future next week, and there the reform is likely to meet stiff resistance. The crucial matter of what electoral system to use remains unresolved. Will the Government hold firm in pushing through reform and, if necessary, use the Parliament Act to stop the House of Lords from blocking it? Unless we keep up the pressure over the next few crucial months, the promise of tonight's vote could remain unfulfilled for years, even decades.

Meanwhile real patronage looks like it is on its way out, but the campaigning virtual peerages continue to be available! If you haven't yet bought one, please do and help fund the next stage in the campaign. Go here for more details and click on Labels below to see details of my purshase.