Lords reform is long overdue - Campbell

1.55.23pm GMT Wed 7th Feb 2007

Commenting ahead of the publication of the Government's White Paper on House of Lords reform, Liberal Democrat Leader Menzies Campbell said:

"Reform of the House of Lords is long overdue but the Government's proposed position is unsatisfactory and unsustainable. Most importantly, it will not end political nominations or the corrosive suspicion that seats in the second chamber are sold by political parties.

"The scandal surrounding cash for peerages underlines the need to reform the outdated system of patronage through which most people are appointed to the Lords.

"The vast majority of Lords must be elected if we are going to go someway to restoring public faith in the political system."

Applicability: this item refers to the UK.