After the votes in both Houses last March, a cross-party group is meeting to work out a way ahead. The Commons have very clearly indicated a preference for all elected, whilst a majority of peers voting (though not a majority of all peers) voted for all appointed.Some peers have tried to move ahead - led by Lord Steel, who voted for an all appointed House - and have brought forward a bill that would establish a 9 person Commission who would have the exclusive power to recommend appointments. Some are concerned, including the Government, that this is an attempt to bed down an appointed House thus thwarting the objective of the Commons.
Supporters of the Steel Bill say that nothing in the bill would preclude future reforms. Listen to the debate today - and you decide.
