Many commentators argue against a fully elected House of Lords, on the grounds the two houses of parliament should be different. Just like when you buy a second car. You’ve already got a Mondeo, so you don’t get another one – you get a mini to dart around in or an estate car that fits more in the back. The second complements the first.

This film, “The Road to House of Lords Reform”, extends this metaphor. It argues the Lords is currently a clapped out vehicle, which the public wants to be roadworthy again. However the Commons feels threatened by the thought of a new, nippy model and is likely to derail reform.

The film was made before the Commons voted for a fully elected Lords – apparently undermining our argument. However, many people think the Commons’ supposed public-mindedness was actually the ultimate act of self-interest and sabotage. We can ask: did MPs vote for a fully elected Lords so they would be praised for reacting to public pressure, safe in the knowledge this option was least likely to gain Lords' support? If this is true, our ‘second car’ metaphor still stands. In fact, the Commons may be an even more devious roadhog than at first suspected. If this isn't true, and Lords reform goes ahead... then our next film might look in more depth at what's needed under the bonnet, to make both houses into more effective vehicles. (I know you can stretch a metaphor too far, but anyone else imagining Jack Straw in oily overalls, sweating over how to install the best electoral system, and distracted only by the latest 'Pirelli Peers' calendar?)
Alex Hardy