REFORM OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS

In 1955 a typical question in the London University Degree Examinations was -

Should there be a Reform of the House of Lords?  Discuss.

60 years later Politicians are still discussing this question.

We live in a Democracy - or do we ?  How much longer can we go on with a non - elected undemocratic House of Lords ?  Yes , there has been some cosmetic changes in the structure and composition of the Second Chamber but this is only the tip of the Iceberg.
On and on we go with Members of the Upper Chamber with not one Member supported by a vote from the people of the United kingdom.
So do we want a Democracy or do we continue with this archaic Institution ?
The truth is - ordinary people will not have the slightest chance of doing anything about Reform.
The House of Commons is also not likely to do anything radical about the situation.

What do I - a simple ordinary citizen think about Reform ?

Yes - there should be a complete Reform of the House of Lords. How ?

• The House of Lords should be renamed - The Upper House.It should comprise 100 Members.
• No Member should be elected by any Political Party.
• The United Kingdom should be divided into 50 Regions.
• Each Region should elect by Popular Vote - 2 Upper House Representatives.
• The Election should coincide with the General Election.
• Members should be elected on a Proportional Representation basis.
• Members should remain in post for the duration of a Parliament.
• Bills from the House of Commons should only be delayed for a second reading on a 70% vote majority.
• Members should be paid a reasonable amount of remuneration but this can be varied based on the level of attendance - ie if a Member does not attend regularly, he / she will not receive the normal level of payments.
• Expenses must be vigorously monitored by an independent committee.
• The Church of England should not have special treatment - they should stand for election in the normal way.

To coincide with this Reform of the House of Lords, the House of Commons should be reduced to 400 Members of Parliament
Timing - No later  than 2020. Preceded by a Referendum - with Multiple Choice Options. in 2018.
Any other ideas ?  Examination Question 2015 - Discuss these Proposals for the Reform of the House of Lords.