House of Lords reform: Count Women In!

On 03/06/2011 · Leave a Comment

Following publication of the House of Lords Reform draft bill the Counting Women In coalition has issued the following statementAnna Bird, Acting Chief Executive of the Fawcett Society, speaking on behalf of the coalition said:‘The House of Lords, in keeping with the House of Commons and most other democratic bodies in the UK, is a place where women are in the minority. Decisions of national importance, that affect every single person in the UK, are made in a chamber where men outnumber women 4 to 1.

The lack of women in Westminster undermines the legitimacy of the decisions made there, but reform offers a rare opportunity to ensure a more representative Lords, and so more credible parliament.’

Nan Sloane, Director of the Centre for Women and Democracy, speaking on behalf of the coalition said:

‘It’s vital that the final bill includes detailed and effective plans to ensure women have a greater presence and voice in the second chamber.

Over the coming months, the Counting Women In campaign will be making recommendations as to what these should be. We believe the lack of women in politics represents a democratic deficit that must urgently be addressed.

Notes:

For more information, please contact:

Charlie Woodworth at the Fawcett Society on 020 7253 2598.

Or Nan Sloane at the Centre for Women and Democracy 0113 234 6500.