Member

Our honours system already recognises and promotes outstanding contributions from individuals across the UK. As I have said before, being appointed as a life Peer is not only an honour; it also brings a responsibility to serve the second Chamber and to use your achievements, knowledge and wisdom to contribute to the House and for the benefit of the nation. This is something the Government want to encourage through the introduction of a participation requirement, and the Select Committee is now considering that in detail. Adding another layer on the system through this amendment would send the wrong signal that life peerages could be granted with no responsibilities. Given recent events, I am sure the public would view us quite critically if your Lordships’ House continued to push this issue. I therefore urge the House to support the Government’s position in rejecting these amendments.