Public Agrees with Common Sense Approach to Lords Reform

By 2:1 Public Rejects Government Proposals

A MORI poll released today highlights public concern about current proposals to reform the House of Lords. While nearly half of respondents support the need for reform, there is strong disagreement with the proposal to abolish hereditary peers before all the details of the reforms have been decided.

Commissioned by the independent pressure group Common Sense for Lords Reform, the poll revealed that by two to one respondents who gave an opinion believe that the Government should leave things as they are for the moment until all the details of the reforms have been decided, rather than push ahead with abolishing hereditary peers before deciding on the other details of the reform.

Common Sense for Lords Reform Director Peter Sanguinetti said, The findings clearly indicate public support for Lords reform but indicate the need for a more strategic and methodical approach to this important constitutional issue." He continued, It is interesting to note that during the recent two-day Lords debate many similar concerns were expressed by Crossbench and Labour peers about the Government's current approach."

Analysis of the two day debate revealed that 21 of 23 Crossbench peers who spoke disagreed with the Governments process. Over one third of Labour peers who spoke were sceptical of the proposals (38%). Indeed, Labour peers were divided over what should replace the House; a nominated, part elected or fully elected House.

MORI Findings:

Q1 The Government is currently considering the future of the House of Lords. At present the House of Lords consists partly of hereditary peers, who have inherited the right to sit from their ancestors, and partly life peers appointed by the Prime Minister of the day. In your opinion, which one of these would be the best option for the future of the House of Lords?

Q2 As you may know, the Government has decided to introduce major reforms to the House of Lords. It has already decided in principle to remove hereditary peers, but it has not yet settled the other details. If you had to choose between these two options, which one do you think would be better?

Technical details

MORI interviewed a representative quota sample of 899 adults aged 18+ at 80 sampling points across Great Britain. Fieldwork was conducted face-to-face on 23-26 October 1998. Common Sense for Lords Reform does not plan to put forward its own proposals. Rather its role is to inform, educate and encourage constructive debate. It is independent of political parties.