Calls for Reform in the House of Lords: A Young Peer Advocates Abolition
Carmen Smith, the youngest peer in the House of Lords, proposes a bold agenda for reforming the UK's unelected second chamber.
Carmen Smith, a member of the House of Lords representing Plaid Cymru, has publicly pledged to campaign for the abolition of the House of Lords, which she argues has become a disproportionately large legislative body.
Since her appointment in March 2024, Smith has noted that the House of Lords is now the second largest legislative chamber in the world, surpassed only by China’s National People’s Congress, and claims it exerts significant influence over legislative processes despite the absence of an electoral mandate.
At 28 years old, Smith is both the youngest member of the House of Lords and the youngest life peer in its history.
She has voiced her belief that an unelected chamber is incompatible with democratic principles while asserting the need for Welsh representation in national decision-making.
Since taking her seat, Smith has advocated for reform from within the chamber, emphasizing her commitment to representing the interests of Welsh youth and citizens until meaningful changes are instigated.
The broader political landscape in Westminster has witnessed a surge in new Members of Parliament (MPs), following the recent general election, which resulted in an unprecedented intake of 335 new MPs.
This cohort includes a historic number of young MPs under 30 and a higher representation of ethnic minorities, indicating a diversification within the Commons that some have described as the most diverse in its history.
However, despite Labour leader Keir Starmer's initial promise to abolish the House of Lords and replace it with a democratically elected chamber, plans have been scaled back to address only the removal of the 92 hereditary peers.
Critics, including Smith, argue that this proposed reform fails to fulfill the Labour party’s manifesto commitments and does not adequately prevent appointments of peers based on political patronage.
In response to perceived inefficiencies and outdated practices, Smith has proposed several amendments to further strengthen reform initiatives concerning hereditary peers.
These amendments aim to align changes with Labour's original pledges and transition the House of Lords into an elected body.
The young peer advocates for a government that genuinely reflects the democratic will of the populace, cautioning against decisions being made by unelected individuals whose positions may derive from noble lineage or political connections.
Feedback from newly elected MPs has highlighted frustrations with Parliament’s procedural inefficiencies.
In light of these concerns, a modernisation committee has been established within the House of Commons to revise outmoded practices.
Smith has suggested that a similar initiative be undertaken in the House of Lords, where reforms are deemed even more pressing.
Globally, many countries operate with elected second chambers, and Smith points to this as a potential model for the UK, where public accountability in law-making is paramount.
The retention of a second chamber founded on principles of aristocracy and religious affiliation is seen as increasingly outdated, and Smith urges that the government seizes the opportunity to transform the democratic landscape of the UK.
In summary, Carmen Smith represents a young, reform-driven voice in the House of Lords advocating for a comprehensive transformation of the UK’s legislative framework, with a clear aim to enhance accountability and democratization in governance.
Since her appointment in March 2024, Smith has noted that the House of Lords is now the second largest legislative chamber in the world, surpassed only by China’s National People’s Congress, and claims it exerts significant influence over legislative processes despite the absence of an electoral mandate.
At 28 years old, Smith is both the youngest member of the House of Lords and the youngest life peer in its history.
She has voiced her belief that an unelected chamber is incompatible with democratic principles while asserting the need for Welsh representation in national decision-making.
Since taking her seat, Smith has advocated for reform from within the chamber, emphasizing her commitment to representing the interests of Welsh youth and citizens until meaningful changes are instigated.
The broader political landscape in Westminster has witnessed a surge in new Members of Parliament (MPs), following the recent general election, which resulted in an unprecedented intake of 335 new MPs.
This cohort includes a historic number of young MPs under 30 and a higher representation of ethnic minorities, indicating a diversification within the Commons that some have described as the most diverse in its history.
However, despite Labour leader Keir Starmer's initial promise to abolish the House of Lords and replace it with a democratically elected chamber, plans have been scaled back to address only the removal of the 92 hereditary peers.
Critics, including Smith, argue that this proposed reform fails to fulfill the Labour party’s manifesto commitments and does not adequately prevent appointments of peers based on political patronage.
In response to perceived inefficiencies and outdated practices, Smith has proposed several amendments to further strengthen reform initiatives concerning hereditary peers.
These amendments aim to align changes with Labour's original pledges and transition the House of Lords into an elected body.
The young peer advocates for a government that genuinely reflects the democratic will of the populace, cautioning against decisions being made by unelected individuals whose positions may derive from noble lineage or political connections.
Feedback from newly elected MPs has highlighted frustrations with Parliament’s procedural inefficiencies.
In light of these concerns, a modernisation committee has been established within the House of Commons to revise outmoded practices.
Smith has suggested that a similar initiative be undertaken in the House of Lords, where reforms are deemed even more pressing.
Globally, many countries operate with elected second chambers, and Smith points to this as a potential model for the UK, where public accountability in law-making is paramount.
The retention of a second chamber founded on principles of aristocracy and religious affiliation is seen as increasingly outdated, and Smith urges that the government seizes the opportunity to transform the democratic landscape of the UK.
In summary, Carmen Smith represents a young, reform-driven voice in the House of Lords advocating for a comprehensive transformation of the UK’s legislative framework, with a clear aim to enhance accountability and democratization in governance.
