Author: Simon Jenkins

Britain’s reluctance to modernize the House of Lords is evident, with its archaic practices of hereditary members and bishops. Despite initial promises of reform, recent efforts have fallen short, focusing only on abolishing the 92 hereditary members. The House of Lords has become a symbol of privilege and fancy dress, disconnected from the realities of modern governance. Calls for a new senate, representing the regions and nations, have gained traction as a solution to the over-centralization of the British state. However, the process of selecting members remains a contentious issue, with concerns about maintaining political control. Direct elections and party…