House of Lords Reform Bill Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

House of Lords Reform Bill

Lord Barwell Excerpts
Tuesday 10th July 2012

(12 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Andrew Griffiths Portrait Andrew Griffiths
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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—

Andrew Griffiths Portrait Andrew Griffiths
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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.