HOUSE OF LORDS

Question 1

The future of the lords, 3 possible outcomes…?

Answer 1

1. A wholly elected house - this would be seen as more legitimate. They would also have the authority to control an ‘elective dictatorship’
2. An appointed second chamber - this would mean that peers would still have greater expertise. It is less likely to produce gridlock as the power will still remain in the Commons
3. Hybrid second chamber - greater legitimacy and also expertise.

Question 2

How does the Lords provide more effective scrutiny of the Commons?

Answer 2

Whip system is not as strong.
Party unity is more relaxed. Since the 1958 Life Peerage Act, life peers do not need to fear about losing their right to sit and vote in the Lords. They therefore have ability to make decisions based on knowledge.

Lack of a specific party majority - until 2000 dominance of hereditary peers gave the house a Conservative majority but since the removal of all but 92 hered peers, there’s no majority. General party balance. Labour struggled with the hostile second chamber in late 90s.

Question 3

Why are the Lords so effective?

4 things

Answer 3

No party majority

Greater legitimacy - since removal of hered peers

Large majority in Commons - feel it’s Lords’ duty therefore as scrutiny is arguably very weak in Commons.

Parliament Acts