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Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill

I think that I have made the position extremely plain. The plain words of the Leader of the Opposition are that he believes that there has to be reform of the upper House, and that it should be a largely elected second Chamber. I should like gently to point out, however, that we are debating the Government's proposals, not our proposals. If we could have an election tomorrow, we could then go off and discuss all these matters. At the moment—prior to the election—the Government are asking us to agree to further piecemeal reform which amounts to little more than a piece of gimmickry and, furthermore—I hope that I use these words advisedly—in the light of Lord Irvine's comments, dishonours them. It is a flagrant breach of trust in regard to what they have collectively said.