Staff Profiles
Publication details for Professor Gavin Phillipson
Phillipson, G (2004). 'The Greatest Quango of them All', 'a rival Chamber' or 'a hybrid nonsense'? Solving the Second Chamber Paradox. Public Law 7: 352-379.- Publication type: Journal papers: academic
- ISSN/ISBN: 0033-3565
- Keywords: House of Lords; Human rights; Law reform; Legislative proceedings
- View online: Online version
- Durham research online: DRO record
Author(s) from Durham
Abstract
Comments on the constitutional challenges facing Government proposals to reform the House of Lords, highlighting the existing range of reform proposals, including those of the Public Administration Select Committee (PASC), the key functions of any revised second chamber and the factors necessary to ensure its effectiveness. Reviews the debate surrounding proposals for a mixed House, an appointed or mainly appointed House and a wholly elected House and assesses the advantages of PASC recommendations for a mixed House with a majority of elected members, especially their potential to increase the chamber's democratic legitimacy. Considers whether the existing impasse may be resolved to give the House a distinctive voice in the legislative process and ensure its respect for basic human rights.