Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill

We have made some progress. Eventually, perhaps, we will be able to move further in that direction and measures might be introduced when the country is more prepared to allow its focus to be taken away from the issues that matter most to the vast majority of households. I am sure they will be focused on economic issues for the foreseeable future. In the meantime, I am surprised and disappointed that the Government have not realised that the measure would address the effect of the ratchet—the fact that the House of Lords is getting ever larger. It had been heard in Government circles that that problem was being increasingly discussed. Given that there is such widespread, cross-party support for the measure, except among those on the Treasury Bench, I have decided to press it to a Division. Question put, That the amendment be made. The Committee divided: Ayes 170, Noes 249.