By contrast, us highly privileged new Labour Lords, following a quick and very surprise phone call from the wonderful Joe Irvin, arrive fully refreshed – if very scared – in long red robe and ermine (looking like Father Christmas, according to my grandson Isaac) to process after Garter King of Arms to swear allegiance to the Crown.
Whilst the building and protocol might be intimidating, the other peers and peeresses and the staff are unfailing relaxed and welcoming. I’ve received the warmest of handshakes from former Tory cabinet ministers against whom I’ve railed and marched. I’ve had a particularly warm embrace from women peers (the “Coven” according to the Noble Lord, Lord Kinnock, with only half an eye on how the Noble Lady, Baroness Kinnock, regarded this) as well as from the former union employees (of which I was originally one) and party staff (who terrified me as a new party member, and now discover they’re like pussy cats!).
So what will I do in the Lords? Clearly, fight against the Conservative government (amongst whose ranks I spy former Labour party colleagues, including Joe Irvin’s predecessor, now parading as Liberal Democrats) and its attempt to roll back the years. But I will also continue with my long standing interests: for women, for better workplace pensions, improved health and for the interests of consumers of legal, financial and other services. That should be enough to keep me busy – and even out of trouble!
Meanwhile, however, the debate will rage about the future of my new abode. Fully elected – but with or without a referendum? How many members? Elected on which electoral system? If PR, will it claim greater legitimacy than the Commons? Elections at the same time as the Commons? If not, what would happen if its elections were mid-way through a challenging time for a government, and so produce a wholly different result – leading to US-style stalemate? What term of office, if fixed-term elections which do not coincide with the Commons? Could failed MPs stand, so would it be seen as second rate? Could members move between the Houses? What exactly should be the role of the second chamber: backstop/revising/bringing a different dimension to parliament? Assuming we are committed to two chambers, we had better start agreeing on all of these, and other, questions before finessing the legislation.
Photo: UK Parliament
some very improtant questions there about the Lords need to think hard about them – maybe you can look at these as you go along?
good luck Dianne