'Consensus' sought on Lords reform

Jul 12 2012

The Government will attempt to "build consensus" on the best way forward for Lords reform, House of Commons Leader Sir George Young told MPs.

But he failed to give a date for the House of Lords Reform Bill's return to the Commons following the Government's decision to abandon its proposed timetable in the face of a huge Tory rebellion.

The legislation was not included in the Commons business announced for the first week back after the summer recess in September. MPs overwhelmingly backed the principle of the Bill, giving it a second reading on Tuesday by a majority of 338, despite a rebellion by 91 Tories.

But with Labour opposed to the Government's proposed timetable, the programme motion was withdrawn, leaving the Bill without a clear path through the Commons.

Sir George said: "We want to reflect, we want to allow time for meaningful discussion, including with the opposition and other honourable members to build a consensus on the best way forward."

He added: "We do intend to table a timetable motion for the Bill in the autumn but as the House would expect we would want those discussions to take place first before I can give the House any further information."

Tory Sir George pointed out there were 26 Labour rebels "so it is quite clear that the Conservative Party is not the only party that has differences on this issue".

But he said: "It was quite clear from the vote on second reading that a huge majority of the House want to get on with it, with majorities within each of the three major parties voting for reform."

But he said Labour was "willing the end but not willing the means" and rejecting the programme motion "does show some lack of commitment towards getting the Bill on the statute book".

David Cameron told his MPs on Wednesday he would only have "one more try" at the Bill before he would "draw a line" and move on. The Prime Minister also raised the prospect of watering down the plans with a "smaller elected element" for the second chamber.