... comes from Charter 88's Chris Lawrence-Pietroni on the day parliament begins debate of controversial government proposals to reform the House of Lords.

"Public trust in politicians at an all time low. The government's proposals on House of Lords have exacerbated this problem by avoiding rather than embracing democracy. The ICM poll on public attitudes to Lords reform shows the majority of the public are opposed to the government's proposals. The government must work towards a second chamber that engages rather than excludes electors from the decision making process.

"The government is sending a clear message to the public that electors and elections are to be avoided. Public faith in politicians and political institutions can only decline as a consequence."