by John McFall

No-one can doubt that we face a fearsome array of problems in this era of ‘polycrisis’: conflict in Europe; climate change; financial instability and the cost of living; pandemic disease; mass migration; an ageing population.

We confront them at a time when trust in politics as a whole is at a low ebb, and when technological change is undermining our traditional forums for debate and dialogue. More than ever, the demands of social media and the 24-hour news cycle put pressure on elected politicians to focus on the short term.

I want to argue that, despite its need for reform, the House of Lords helps deliver measured and effective responses to the challenges we face, which are fit for the long term, and from which lessons can be drawn. The upper chamber makes three distinctive contributions to the political process:?we debate extensively the really important issues; we bring genuine expertise to bear; and we conduct ourselves with respect for all.

This is an edited version of a speech delivered by the Lord Speaker, Lord McFall of Alcluith, to the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) in London on 20 September.

A video recording of the event can be viewed  at https://www.thersa.org/videos/the-future-of-the-house-of-lords/

Photo by Wonderlane on Unsplash