No plan for Lords reform referendum
http://bit.ly/LcCRGH
The result will be seen as a victory for Deputy Prime minister Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats, after David Cameron indicated that he went back to a national survey. Historic plans to introduce a largely elected second Chamber will be published next week. It could begin operating by 2015, but the legislation faces fierce opposition from Tories and labour peers. Critics have argued that the changes should not be given priority in a time of economic crisis, and said major constitutional reform requires a referendum. Labour leader Ed Miliband has also proposed a vote will be needed, while the Prime Minister signalled he went back, ask the public. Mr Clegg has insisted that a referendum is unnecessary because the Lords reform in the election manifestos of all three main parties. Government sources have now confirmed that a national survey-which could have cost more than £ 100 million-will not be included in the plans. Mr Cameron is said to have secured concessions in return, including making it clear that the new look House cannot block legislation passed by the House of Commons. The legislation is expected to propose reducing the number of Lords from around 900 to 300, with at least 80% of peers be elected. Elections should be held every five years and are appointed or hereditary peers will gradually be replaced with the new elected "Senators". Each senator will work for a single term of 15 years and will represent a region rather than a traditional constituency, similar to the European Parliament's system. Shadow Justice Secretary Sadiq Khan said: "labour is committed to a fully elected second Chamber that matches the requirements of a modern democracy. Our track record on reform of the Lords is unparalleled. Our goal is clear, but we have humility to trust the public. "Fundamental changes in our Constitution should be put to the people in a referendum. Government shows breathtaking arrogance. "Lords reform is no different in this regard to devolution in Wales, Scotland and London, a regional Assembly in the North East, the mayors of cities and countries and changes in our voting system, all subject to referendums, some won and some lost. "Labour trusts the people to decide on important issues which fundamentally change our Constitution. Why is the Government afraid to seek the view of the public? They deny the public a vote on the very fabric of how our country is run, shows just how out of touch and arrogant they are. " View the original article here
http://bit.ly/LcCRGH
The result will be seen as a victory for Deputy Prime minister Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats, after David Cameron indicated that he went back to a national survey. Historic plans to introduce a largely elected second Chamber will be published next week. It could begin operating by 2015, but the legislation faces fierce opposition from Tories and labour peers. Critics have argued that the changes should not be given priority in a time of economic crisis, and said major constitutional reform requires a referendum. Labour leader Ed Miliband has also proposed a vote will be needed, while the Prime Minister signalled he went back, ask the public. Mr Clegg has insisted that a referendum is unnecessary because the Lords reform in the election manifestos of all three main parties. Government sources have now confirmed that a national survey-which could have cost more than £ 100 million-will not be included in the plans. Mr Cameron is said to have secured concessions in return, including making it clear that the new look House cannot block legislation passed by the House of Commons. The legislation is expected to propose reducing the number of Lords from around 900 to 300, with at least 80% of peers be elected. Elections should be held every five years and are appointed or hereditary peers will gradually be replaced with the new elected "Senators". Each senator will work for a single term of 15 years and will represent a region rather than a traditional constituency, similar to the European Parliament's system. Shadow Justice Secretary Sadiq Khan said: "labour is committed to a fully elected second Chamber that matches the requirements of a modern democracy. Our track record on reform of the Lords is unparalleled. Our goal is clear, but we have humility to trust the public. "Fundamental changes in our Constitution should be put to the people in a referendum. Government shows breathtaking arrogance. "Lords reform is no different in this regard to devolution in Wales, Scotland and London, a regional Assembly in the North East, the mayors of cities and countries and changes in our voting system, all subject to referendums, some won and some lost. "Labour trusts the people to decide on important issues which fundamentally change our Constitution. Why is the Government afraid to seek the view of the public? They deny the public a vote on the very fabric of how our country is run, shows just how out of touch and arrogant they are. " View the original article here
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