Peers under pressure: how to reform Britain’s House of Lords | Letters

2026-02-11 - 17:15

Readers respond to the Green peer Jenny Jones’s article on parliament’s unelected chamber Jenny Jones is right to argue for reform of the House of Lords (Peter Mandelson is fleeing the House of Lords: now let’s throw out all the other rogues and idlers, 4 February). But can I offer a word of caution? There is talk of remaking the Lords as another elected chamber. I think that would be a mistake. It would generate a competing democratic mandate, which is the last thing we need (just look at the US if you need proof). What is required is a chamber devoted to scrutiny (of draft legislation and executive action), advice and accountability in public office. Continue reading...