Member

I finish by accepting that we have a problem in terms of public perception. We have to work hard on that. At the same time, we need to be aware that the public can be persuaded. I remind your Lordships of a survey of the public carried out some years ago, in which several statements were put, and people were asked whether they agreed with them. One statement was: “At least half the Members of the House of Lords should be elected, so that the upper Chamber of Parliament has democratic legitimacy”. Some 72% agreed with that. Another statement was: “The House of Lords should remain a mainly appointed House, because that gives it a degree of independence from electoral politics and allows people with a broad range of experience and expertise to be involved in the law-making process”. My Lords, 75% agreed with that.