House of Lords Reform Bill

Debate between Baroness Laing of Elderslie and Angela Eagle

Tuesday 10th July 2012 Commons Chamber

[Ms Eagle]

My hon. Friend’s point is very accurate and speaks for itself.

[Mrs Eleanor Laing (Epping Forest) (Con)]

The hon. Lady asks why the Government do not want to go ahead with a referendum. I wonder whether the answer might be that if a question were put to the British people the affirmative answer to which was, “You will have 450 extra elected, salaried, full-time politicians,” the British people might say no.

[Ms Eagle]

I am not sure that the answer to the question is “823—and counting—appointed politicians who legislate” either, so I am sorry to have to disagree slightly with the hon. Lady. The important principle is that when changes of this importance are being decided, the British people should have a say.