Edward Choi
I would like to comment regarding the proposed House
of Lords reforms. I believe that there should not be any radical
reforms to the House of Lords. The House of Lords have been an
important part of the British political (and legal) heritage for
many years and is an important part of the British culture. Any
reforms would destroy part of the English/British culture.
The House of Commons is already an elected legislature.
The House of Lords and the monarch have long been a protection
of the constitution, although lately that view has been largely
disputed. Through most of England's history, England (and Britain)
had succeed with the current structure. The focus was not solely
on an elected parliament, but a combination of an elected house
and other protections. A reform in the way the government is currently
proposing seems to be "Americanizing" the British system.
The American system is where everything (including judges) is
elected, that is not the sole system every country should operate.
There are, of course, positives and negatives to each system which
should be analyzed. Preserving our culture, and keeping a system
that works simply makes sense. It's a system where there is democracy
and where there are protections in place.
Unlike the elected House of Commons, the term of
peers in the House of Lords is longer. It allows peers to view
issues long term, and not just with a view to the next election.
Without elections, peers in the House of Lords would not be as
focused on personal interests for the next elections, as does
the House of Commons. That is important. The House of Lords can
be used to correct the short-sighted House of Commons and provide
some longer-term insight into matters, as does the monarch.
Should House of Lords reform go through, I would
strongly recommend preserving Church of England representatives
in the house. This nation is a Christian nation and had been that
way throughout its history. Long battles have been fought to preserve
this, and this tradition and protection should not be destroyed.
I do not believe other faiths should be represented as the Church
of England is the national religion. This view is in line with
many other countries where a dominant religion is in place. Preserving
and building upon our Christian heritage is important both culturally
and spiritually.
29 November 2011
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