MPs today sent a clear signal to the Government that only an elected House of Lords is acceptable in 21st century Britain. (See BBC report.) Let’s hope Blair and Brown take note.

It is extraordinary that in 2007 we still have hereditary peers, bishops and Government cronies sitting in our legislature. True, it’s not a subject that gets the pulse racing (in my law student days I saw Lords reform described as a subject for a wet Sunday afternoon). But this is important. The way we are governed helps define the type of country we are. It also determines how much legitimacy we have in defending democracy and justice in other nations.

It’s pleasing to see Conservative commentators such as Iain Dale supporting change. This should not be a left-right battle.