House of Lords Reform Bill

Debate between Andrew Griffiths and Lord Barwell

Tuesday 10th July 2012 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Griffiths]

Because we all recognise that those people in the other place have expertise and knowledge, and they are not at the whim of the vagaries of the political process. They are not politicians and they are not standing for election; they do not choose to kiss babies and knock on doors. They are there because they are independently minded—

[Gavin Barwell (Croydon Central) (Con)]

Lord Prescott.

[Andrew Griffiths]

I think we all accept that there are people in the other place we would perhaps not choose, but they continue to do a good job. The Lords have served this country well for 300 or 400 years. We adopt this Bill at our peril, which is why I will be voting against it.