Reform of the House of lords

[avalonmpk]

British Political system needs updating I contend that a new upper house of 351 persons all must have attained the age of 65 and have no affiliation to any political party - we then might get some common sense, prudence and thrift back in our society.
TO BE A CANDIDATE YOU MUST BE ABLE TO PERSUADE 1000 PEOPLE OF ANY AGE TO PUT UP £5 AS A SUREITY FOR YOU GOOD CONDUCT

[Hugh]

Do we really need the house of Lords?

[Hells Granny]

I tend to agree with the principle of Avalon P's staement,

Yes we do need a Second House, if not the Lords as such

Cheers, HG

[Hugh]

I agree but they should be elected by us and have to be re elected after a period of time.

[Hells Granny]

I agree, the Upper House should be elected, just as the Commons are.

Cheers, HG

[Hugh]

I don't believe anything will happen its jobs for the boys. Its rather like our once labour controlled county council they have created so many jobs for their friends I expect now the conservatives have gained controll they are having a mass clear out of 1400 jobs. I feel sorry for them but its our council taxes that have been paying their wages.   

[avalonmpk]

I omitted to say in my last contribution that of course that the second chamber should be elected. Their first task should be to implement a trial suspension -  say for two years - of all immigration

[neatabulb]

When you put out the trash you use the trash bin.
Britain is now the trash bin of the world.

Stop immigration all together until there is more room in the bin.

[Papaumau]

I see no reason why we could not have an American-style system of government here. After all it was our decendants who eventually built that one over there.

Here is a quick rundown of the American legislature: From an American.

The Legislative Branch:

The legislative branch of our government is represented by Congress, which includes two parts: the House of Representatives, whose 435 members are elected according to the population of each state, and the Senate, which consists of two members from each state. Congress meets in Washington, DC, and both branches study bills which will become future laws, and problems which affect our nation. The House of Representatives includes the Speaker of the House (the head of the majority party) who becomes president if both the president and vice-president die or become incapacitated. Representatives are elected for two year terms.

In the senate, members are elected for terms of six years. The senators help create and pass laws, and also interview candidates that the president elects for certain offices (such as Supreme Court justices). It can also ratify treaties the president makes (with a 2/3 majority).

Introducing and passing legislation is an important function of both the House and the senate. New proposals for laws (called bills before they become law) are assigned numbers, are studied and reported on by committees, and eventually based on the committee recommendations, are voted on. Finally, if passed, the president signs them into law.

Comments ?

[Chrisjay]

I would have advocated this system if you had not beat me to it Papa.

I think there is need for a second house but an elected one and in the USA it works because whoever wants new legislation has as it were to pass a second quality test it also means the government of the day cannot normally pass mundane bad laws for their own ends.

Chris

[Papaumau]

Good points Chris....and very true !