House of Lords Reform Bill

Debate between Lord Harrington of Watford and Gareth Johnson

Tuesday 10th July 2012 Commons Chamber

[Gareth Johnson]

There was no commitment in the manifesto I stood on effectively to abolish the House of Lords.

We need to be brave enough to say that the Lords works. It is not perfect, but it works. These proposals will ensure that the Lords operates in a party political manner. Legislation will be blocked or supported for purely party political reasons, rather than simply because the Lords believes that the legislation is wrong.

[Richard Harrington (Watford) (Con)]

I agree with most of the points my hon. Friend makes, but does he agree that it is possible to be in favour of reforming the House of Lords without supporting these ridiculous proposals and filling it full of party political hacks?

[Gareth Johnson]

My hon. Friend makes a valid point. Very few Members of this House think that the House of Lords is perfect in every way, but we do not want radical overhauls and an elected House of Lords, as suggested by this fundamentally flawed Bill.

Governments are currently created by single elections—general elections—and the reviewing Chamber acts as a check and balance without—[Interruption.]

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Harrington of Watford and Gareth Johnson

Thursday 17th June 2010 Commons Chamber

[Gareth Johnson (Dartford) (Con)]

12. What his plans are for the future funding of new fixed speed cameras; and if he will make a statement.

[Richard Harrington (Watford) (Con)]

15. What his Department’s plans are for the future funding of fixed speed cameras; and if he will make a statement.