Ellie Reeves

It is good to see the right hon. Member’s enthusiasm for reform of the House of Lords; it is a shame that he has only found it now that he is in opposition, not over the past 14 years when his party was in government and could have done something about it. This is an immediate first step, as was set out in our manifesto. We have been clear that we will consult about the implementation of the other measures set out in our manifesto and we will do just that. We have heard a range of views today on the Government’s other manifesto commitments, including exactly how a participation requirement might work. The debate has shown why it is exactly the right thing that the Government take time to consider how best to implement the other commitments, while starting with the immediate reform that the Bill will deliver. In conclusion, the amendments tabled by Opposition Members are not appropriate for the Bill, which deals with one principal issue—the need to remove the outdated and indefensible right of hereditary peers to sit and vote in the House of Lords. That is our objective and we are focused on delivering it. The Government intend to deliver the other manifesto commitments to bring about a smaller and more active second Chamber. We are also committed to replacing the other place with an alternative second Chamber that is more representative of the regions and nations. As I said, we will consult on proposals and seek the input of the British public on how politics can best serve them. Reform of the House of Lords is long overdue and essential. The Government are committed to delivering those reforms, and passing this vital legislation is the first step on that journey. In that spirit, I commend the Bill to the Committee. Question put and agreed to. Clause 1 accordingly ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clauses 2 and 3 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Clause 4 Extent and commencement Amendment proposed: 25, page 2, line 16, leave out from “force” to end of line 17 and insert “only when the House of Commons has agreed a resolution which— (a) endorses the conclusions of the report a joint committee appointed for the purpose specified in subsection (3A), and (b) determines accordingly that this Act shall come into force at the end of the Session of Parliament in which this resolution is passed. (3A) The purpose of the joint committee of the House of Commons and the House of Lords referred to in subsection (3) is to consider and report upon the Government’s stated plans for reform of the House of Lords, including— (a) the removal of the right of excepted hereditary peers to sit and vote in the House of Lords, (b) the introduction of a mandatory retirement age for members of the House of Lords, (c) a new participation threshold to enable continuing membership of the House of Lords, (d) changes to the circumstances in which disgraced members of the House of Lords can be removed, and (e) changes to the process of appointment of members of the House of Lords.”—(Alex Burghart.) This amendment provides that the Bill would only come into effect after the report of a joint committee on wider reforms of the composition of the House of Lords has been approved by a resolution of the House of Commons. Question put, That the amendment be made.