No plan for Lords reform referendum

The coalition has decided against holding a referendum on reforming the House of Lords, it has been revealed.

The outcome will be seen as a victory for Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats, after David Cameron hinted that he could back a national poll.

Historic plans for introducing a largely elected second chamber are due to be published next week. It could begin operating in 2015, but the legislation is facing fierce resistance from Tories and Labour peers.

Critics have argued that the changes should not be a priority at a time of economic crisis, and said such a major constitutional reform requires a referendum.

Labour leader Ed Miliband has also suggested a vote will be needed, while the Prime Minister signalled he could back asking the public.

However, Mr Clegg has insisted that a referendum is unnecessary because Lords reform featured in the election manifestos of all three main parties.

Government sources have now confirmed that a national poll - which could have cost more than £100 million - will not feature in the plans.

Mr Cameron is said to have secured concessions in return, including making it clear that the new-look chamber cannot block legislation passed by the House of Commons.

The legislation is expected to propose cutting the number of Lords from around 900 to 300, with at least 80% of peers being elected.

Elections would be held every five years and appointed or hereditary peers will progressively be replaced by the new elected "senators". Each senator will serve for a single term of 15 years and will represent a region rather than a traditional constituency, similar to the European Parliament system.

Clegg pledges surveillance controls

Nick Clegg has insisted the "highest possible safeguards" will be built into any new surveillance powers introduced by the Government but said new technology meant the debate was needed.

Speaking on the BBC Radio 4 World at One programme, the Deputy Prime Minister refused to elaborate on what the safeguards might be, insisting it was appropriate for the plans to be published first.

But the Liberal Democrat leader said what was being discussed was a case of updating existing powers to take account of new technology - such as internet telephone service Skype - which he said criminals and terrorists could use to subvert surveillance laws already on the books.

News of the proposals has sparked fierce opposition from civil liberties campaigners, including Tory MP David Davis.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has said any new
surveillance powers will come
with the 'highest possible safeguards'

Mr Clegg told the programme: "I think it is very important people hold off making their judgement until they see the proposals.

"There has been a lot of speculation, some of it inaccurate, over the last couple of days. I happen to think it is right to have a debate about what we do as a society as criminals exploit new technologies.

"People should be reassured were are not going to ram something through Parliament. All along we will be guided by some very simple principles."

Mr Clegg said this will mean ensuring there is no new Government database and consulting widely - not just on new powers but on whether existing powers are already sufficient.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the police would not be given new powers to look at people's emails but said powers may need to be updated to "keep pace with the use of new technology".

He added: "Anything in this area is highly sensitive and it is good we are having this kind of wider debate."


©Press Association