WE MUST REFORM THE HOUSE OF LORDS (weekly poem)

WE MUST REFORM THE HOUSE OF LORDS

The abolition of the House of Lords has been discussed for decades.

We must reform the House of Lords,

And thus promote ‘democracy’;

Bring in the unhygienic hordes,

But leave the old Theocracy! (1)

Let’s multiply its membership,

And double it to make it huge;

So all can have acquaintanceship,

With the odd friendly party stooge.

One doesn’t need some private means,

As one will get a fair day’s pay;

A fee for each time it convenes,

Around three-hundred quid a day! (2)

Let’s all pretend the Lords are there,

To keep the Lower House in check;

To keep its legislation fair,

And not just there to rubberneck.

Let’s make these changes to show we’ve,

Abolished privilege and class;

Reforms which when completed leave,

An even bigger, useless, farce!

(1) There are 26 Bishops in the House of Lords.

(2) Members of the House of Lords can claim an attendance fee

of £300 per day—even if they only attend for 45 minutes or so.

© Richard Layton