@chrishanretty: it should be drastically reduced in size. I'd ask, why have it at all?

House of Lords at its best.

Good analysis.

Conservative MEP @CharlesTannock tries to convince his party.

Tories will have to confront need for reform!

Yes, and yes.

I shall be mining this for rhetorical nuggets.

A sceptic is converted.

"a chamber with the current limited powers, with a predominantly or even entirely elected membership, makes no sense"

Surveying the options.

Legitimacy v independence v expertise.

What is it for?

Historical background

A far better idea for reforming the Upper House than the government's current proposals.