REFORM OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS

The government's reform of the Lords heralds the end of constitutionally-enshrined aristocratic government in Britain. But how far does it go? The changes now in progress may well be too half-hearted to make much difference.

The House of Lords is one of the three powers in the British constitution, which also include the monarchy and the Commons. Representing the interests of the aristocracy, the lords historically combined with the "commoners" to check the power of kings.

Nowadays, the Lords is the second legislative chamber in parliament, responsible for amending and scrutinising the activities of the government-dominated Commons. Where the Lords differs from the upper chambers in other democratic countries is in the presence of hereditary peers - noblemen who inherit their right to sit in the House. The current reform has reduced their number, but a smaller group of titled aristocrats still retain their seats, alongside distinguished members of the community nominated by a special commission.

The House of Lords has been widely criticised as undemocratic: "one of the most curious of the curious anomalies in British public life, defying all logic of democratic and secular politics", in the words of one political scientist, who would like to see it replaced by an elected chamber. I am inclined to share this view myself.