REFORM OF THE HOUSE OF PEERS

That this House recognises the significant service to the nation given by the House of Peers acting as 'amending' chamber; understands that one aspect of democratic control over governments has been systematically reduced as the power of their Lordships has been eroded, particularly over key economic matters where this House now holds exclusive power; believes that it is of the greatest constitutional importance that democratic control over government be more evenly balanced and that more power be returned to their Lordships; accepts that, in this day and age, it is politically untenable to return power to their Lordships without democractic accountability; recommends that both hereditary and appointed peerages be retained but with the introduction of 301 additional peers democratically elected at general elections, but upon an occupational as opposed to a geographic franchise; and calls upon her Majesty's Government to institute legislation in both Houses to reform the conduct and business of the House of Peers in order to allow all peers to speak and participate in all affairs of their House save voting, when only the votes of elected peers would be counted in legislative matters.