House of Lords - Why I am anti the Reform Bill....

Have set out my stall before on this issue - there is absolutely no need for more elected whipped politicians - we need more free spirited wise heads - just see the JSB debate for all the evidence you ever need on that topic....and if that were not enough, it seems that the House of Lords is being turned into the House of Regions - have you seen the list of constituencies: in addition to whole constituencies of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland (some sort of Euro style devolved federal parliament Bundesrat - which the Lid Dems have always dreamed of....); the rest are random collections of counties, cities and other random districts thrown together  as if they have some affinity (like John Prescott's mental Regional Assemblies) - I am the member for Bedford, Thurrock, Southend and Norfolk and all points in between - is that person really going to represent such a wide disparate range of people and places - and why?  Why do those people need another elected representative alongside their parish, local, county, House of Commons and MEP reps (plus Assembly Member in London).  Absolutely no need for another level of paid representation (particularly in our age of extreme austerity).   I am all for reducing Bishops (this Bill reduces their number), abolishing peerages and having a proper process of appointment of independent members (I favour election of members by the members of the House itself (from nominations from members of the public who are distinguished enough to serve and be elected) with some very modest ministerial/religious appointments thrown in.  But some randomly thrown together regional representatives vying for political power with their more obvious democrats in the Chamber next door!  This is potty and it should be binned.  Come on Clegg - fight Cameron from within  on the economy, not this crazy piece of constitutional tinkering. 

Rant over.

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