The End of an Era
At 4:25 pm, a significant chapter in English history came to a close when the House of Lords voted to remove hereditary peers from its ranks. This decision marked the end of an eight-century tradition and ushered in a new era where the House of Lords will be entirely composed of appointed members. There was no formal division on the third reading of the bill, with Lady Fookes declaring, “The contents have it,” while sitting on the Woolsack, her orange hairdo perfectly matching the vibrant tones of her jacket.
This moment, though seemingly mundane, has sparked considerable debate about the future of British democracy. Critics argue that the removal of hereditary peers has created a political landscape dominated by prime ministerial appointments, raising concerns about the integrity and inclusivity of the upper house.
A Unique Spectacle
Despite the political implications, the event itself was a unique spectacle. Among the attendees was one Lord Spiritual, a bishop from Newcastle who had previously been involved in a controversial incident involving Justin Welby. She demonstrated a thorough understanding of bureaucratic jargon and was seen wearing a pair of old Maurice Saatchi spectacles.
Nearby, Kenneth O. Morgan, a Labour member and a very Welsh individual, could be considered as someone who might be two decades older than his actual age. His presence evoked images of R.S. Thomas, the poet, but with a more suave demeanor.
The Europhile Duke of Wellington, a Crossbencher, made an appearance, looking handsome yet somewhat underwhelming. He seemed more like a high-end public relations professional than a descendant of the famous Wellesley family. At the far end of the chamber, Lady Meyer, a Conservative, was seen wearing an eyepatch, likely the result of a recent duel.
Unusual Sounds and Observations
Throughout the proceedings, the air was occasionally interrupted by the sound of a country pheasant. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be the repeated coughing of Lady Butler-Sloss, a Crossbencher known for her role as a retired judge and as the formidable aunt of actor Nigel Havers. The scene reminded many of characters from PG Wodehouse’s novels.
This day was not about the usual arguments regarding hereditary peers or the need for reform within the House of Lords. Instead, the focus shifted to a plea from the Conservatives for the ejected lords to be offered life peerages. Lord True, the Tory leader, suggested that they might engage in a dirty protest unless some of the departing peers received clemency. Former MP and Cabinet minister Lord Forsyth claimed that Labour had “lit the fuse” for an elected House, which could lead to significant upheaval in both the Lords and the Commons.
Lord True also pointed out that the British people had never been asked to approve an all-appointed House, a fair point that raises questions about democratic legitimacy.
Public Reaction and Reflections
A quick poll could be conducted to gauge public opinion on whether an Upper House composed entirely of political-party figures, prime ministerial allies, and failed MPs is acceptable. The tone among the departing nobles was one of acidic sorrow rather than outright hostility. Lord Mancroft expressed feelings of being “thrown out like discarded rubbish,” emphasizing that he had not thought it legal to be dismissed based solely on birth. He described the situation as deeply offensive.
Lady Smith, the Leader of the House, assured him that it was nothing personal, although her imperial purple trouser suit may have betrayed her true emotions. Lord Grocott, a long-time advocate for class equality, gloated over the changes, while telly scientist Lord Winston delivered an incomprehensible speech about genes.
The 20th Earl of Caithness, a Conservative, thanked Labour for providing him with a financial boost in recent years. Having inherited the earldom in 1965, he recalled that the daily allowance when he first attended was just under five pounds. It wasn’t until the Blairites began filling the place with their own members around 1999 that the rate increased significantly. He believed things could only get better.
A Dull Moment
In contrast to the dramatic events in the House of Lords, Sir K. Starmer’s session at the Commons liaison committee was described as jaw-locking dull. The atmosphere was joyless, with little excitement to be found. In the second row of the public seats, a young woman in a blue dress struggled to stay awake. Her eyes repeatedly rolled back, revealing only the whites. She yawned, sighed, and tried to ease her neck, but it was futile. Eventually, she slumped forward, completely asleep, mirroring the fate of a hereditary peer.
