This item just in from Laura Sandys Conservative MP for Thanet South...
Many thanks as ever.
With the House of Lords Reform debate looming, Laura Sandys MP, Member of the Joint Committee, has said: "This week, we have an unprecedented opportunity to instill democracy at the heart of our Parliament.
"This is not a Liberal Democrat Bill - restoring power to the people is at the heart of Conservatism. In this Parliament we have already introduced legislation for elected police commissioners and have promoted city mayors. It is absurd to criticise the EU's lack of democratic mandate but to turn a blind eye to the 825 members who sit on the red benches as a result of some form of patronage.
"Reform is an essential component of strengthening Parliament in the face of a stronger executive. With greater resources and more activism in the House of Lords, both chambers will have an increased capacity to hold Government to account. However, as we approach this historic vote, the gap between opponents and reformers is narrowing "