LORDS REFORM AND THE CANADIAN SENATE

Early day motion 2307, tabled 6 June 2006 by Gordon Prentice (Labour). Signed by 15 members.

That this House applauds the steps currently being taken by the newly-elected Conservative Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, to reform the Canadian Senate; notes his proposal to set eight-year term limits on new senators as an interim measure pending a new settlement where elected senators would replace appointees who currently serve until 75 years; further notes his statement that `nobody believes senators should be sitting for decades'; firmly believes that sending people into the legislature as a result of patronage is unacceptable and, potentially, corrupt if it is thought that places can be secured by rendering a service to the prime minister and government of the day; further notes with approval that the right hon. Member for Sedgefield no longer believes in a wholly appointed second chamber; considers that the Westminster Parliament should look to its sister in Ottawa; and urges it to be bold and to make reform of the House of Lords a priority.

Signatures by party: Labour 13, Liberal Democrat 1, Scottish National Party 1.