The ludicrous game of political ping-pong continues on this atrocious legislation.
Rumours are apparently circulating that Blair is loosing his patience, and is possibly considering calling a “snap” general election. That would be a mistake because the house of Lords is doing what it’s intended to, which is being a safeguard to bad legislation.
That shouldn’t be interpreted as my supporting the House of Lords. The institution is deeply undemocratic, and an elected second chamber would be much more preferable. However, we have what we have, and they are at least making it abundantly clear to the government that what they are proposing is simply unacceptable in it’s erosion of deeply felt legal and constitutional principles. One side will have to give. I just hope it’s the Commons in accepting the reasonable amendment to incorporate the ’sunset’ clause to ensure this legislation does not remain on the statute books indefinitely.
Also concerning is the picture this paints of the state and structure of our democratic institutions. Last night, the media pundits were reporting that this legislation stood a very real chance of being passed simply because the more elderly house of Lords might have been unable to stay up all night. They needed their beds and Ovaltine. It’s shocking that politics of this importance becomes a physical (rather than just mental) endurance exercise, where the frail must fall first.
Whilst I do feel that the House of Commons should have primacy in all matters given it is democratically elected, I support the right of the House of Lords to push back deeply flawed and dangerous legislation to this extent. Knee jerk and hurried legislation is usually a mistake, and this is no exception. The legislation really is atrocious in it’s ability to deprive people of the necessary legal safeguards that are an important part of our democracy.
So I feel that the institution of the Lords should indeed be scrapped and replaced with something more accountable. For then they would have the necessary legitimacy to stand up to the Commons when such matters arise in future (and they will). But if Blair - as a result of this deadlock - reforms the House of Lords, it’ll mean that at least something good comes out of this mess.
