Description
Book SynopsisThe 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 This book provides an international context, using material as yet unpublished in the UK.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.
Trade ReviewMeg Russell's book is a valuable contribution to the debate on the further stages of House of Lords reform. It is always useful to gain a greater understanding from the experience of other countries. * Baroness Jay, Leader of the House of Lords *
The debate on the future of the House of Lords has so far been insular and backward-looking. Meg Russell provides and overdue and authoritative corrective in showing the lessons to be learnt from second chamber overseas in the balanced, analytical and highly readable manner that the Constitution Unit has made its trademark. She outlines how an independent and distinctive second chamber could form a central part of the developing constitutional settlement, complementing but not threatening the Commons. * Peter Riddell, The Times *
An excellent addition to the comparative literature on bicameralism which will be of great use to those interested in parliaments, parliamentary reform and comparative government generally * Campbell Sharman, University of Western Australia *
excellent new survey * The Guardian *
Ms Russell's thorough book goes straight to the heart of the hardest questions and gives a sober, efficient account of what is to be said on each side ... sound, sensible, and well-researched study. * Michael Fry, Glasgow Herald, 24/2/00 *
Russell should be thanked for a valuable, laborious and exhaustive study carried out in a fair and honest spirit ... provides a thorough professional exercise ... shrewd political judgments. * John Vincent, LRB, 16/3/00 *
Table of ContentsIntroduction ; 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
