Dundee LibDems welcome proposals for a democratic and representative upper house
Dundee Liberal Democrats today (Saturday 4th November) welcomed national LibDem proposals to create a democratically accountable upper house of Parliament, which better reflects the views of the British people.
With no party having a clear majority in the Lords, the Liberal Democrats will have a crucial role in any negotiations.
Key proposals include:
• Reduce the number of seats in the upper house and hold elections by thirds every four years
• Rename the second chamber the Senate by 2011 with all hereditary peers leaving by that date
• Allow both houses to amend secondary legislation, scrutinise European legislation and to approve treaties
Liberal Democrat leader in the House of Lords, Lord (Tom) McNally said, "Our proposals are a genuine attempt at cross party co-operation. We are offering the Government a chance to agree across parties a root and branch reform of the House of Lords, based on democratic principles."
Locally, Dundee LibDem spokesperson Murray Dick said, "These are excellent proposals by the Liberal Democrats which would result in a truly democratic successor to the House of Lords."