Lords are 'losing the moral high ground'

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The ongoing stand off between government and opposition peers over legislation which paves the way for a referendum on the voting system risks damaging the reputation of the upper chamber, the Commons has heard.

Commons leader Sir George Young said peers would lose the "moral high tone" should the debate in the House of Lords continue to grind on.

He said he was "concerned" about the behaviour of peers over the debate, which could see the May 5 referendum date pushed back should the bill not reach the statute book by February 16.

The Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill needs to be passed by the February date for the referendum to take place as the Electoral Commission has ruled that it needs three months to prepare for the vote.

Labour are being accused of attempting to sabotage bill, which would allow for a referendum on the voting system and cuts the number of MPs by 50.

The upper chamber rose at 3.04 am today, following the 11th day of committee stage debate, which ended five hours after the usual 10pm finishing time.

During questions on forthcoming parliamentary business, Harriet Baldwin (Con, West Worcestershire) critcised the "outrageous filibustering tactics" of Labour peers.

She asked: "Will the Leader of the House ensure that the debate on parliamentary reform in Westminster Hall is broad enough to cover the outrageous filibustering tactics of Labour Lords this week in the other place, which does not benefit from the tender ministrations of our Speaker?"

In response, Sir George said: "When I came into this House some time ago all the rough trade was down here and down the other end they had non-partisan, short, focused debates in a revising chamber.

"The rough trade now seems to have gone down the other end.

"The other place runs the risk of losing the moral high tone if its Members continue to proceed as they are."

Peers are now due return to the committee stage of the bill issue next week on Monday and Wednesday, when ministers hope it will be concluded.

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