Letter from Lord Leach of Fairford
In my view the best way to encourage the public
to relate better to the Lords would be to show that we are a bastion
of independence.
For example, if we had stood up for the principle
of honouring the promise of a referendum on the Constitution (renamed
the Lisbon Treaty); or if we had rejected the nonsensical proposal
to reduce CO2 emissions by 80%; and if we now support David Waddington
on Freedom of Speech; and if we had rejected the unequal treaty
between the UK and the US on extradition; and if we had taken
the lead on extraordinary rendition; then the people would look
to the red benches with a new respect. The galleries would be
thronged.
In contrast, I hold out little hope for improved
communication via Facebook, Twitter, or education programmes,
Interest comes from within, when the soul is stirred, not from
outward trappings of convenience or fashion,
7 April 2009
| 
