The constitution of Britain is changing rapidly, and the House of Lords is next on the agenda for reform. But whilst Britain takes on many of the features of other countries constitutions, the Lords reform debate remains insular and backward-looking. This book provides an international context, using material as yet unpublished in the UK. What can we learn from the appointed Canadian Senate, the elected Australian Senate, the German federal Bundesrat, or our other European neighbours? Firmly practical in its approach and aimed at a generalist as well as specialist audience, this book opens up the debate.
Introduction ; PART ONE: CONTEXTS ; 1. Reforming the House of Lords ; 2. Second chambers worldwide ; PART TWO: SEVEN SECOND CHAMBERS ; 3. The composition and context of the chamber ; 4. Politics and personalities in the chamber ; 5. Organisation and administration ; 6. The legislative role of the chamber ; 7. Committees and investigative work ; 8. Constitutional and constituency ; 9. Government and the second chamber ; 10. Binding different levels of government together ; 11. Public Perceptions and calls for reform ; PART THREE: LESSONS FOR LORDS REFORM ; 12. Principles of reform ; 13. The role and functions of the new chamber ; 14. The composition of the new chamber ; Epilogue: Prospects for reform
