My big political wish (well one of them) for 2024

As a member of the labour party I think it's quite naive to think those things dont exist within the labour party. They do I am afraid. I am in the labour party because I believe in its polices more than other parties, I dont think its immune to corruption, anti democratic behaviour etc. Starmer has done a quite incredible job but there is a long way to go.
Crikey I am the voice of doom

I am perfectly open to any form of second chamber that does not represent cronyism or corruption. This cannot be said that it does at present.

And no, life will not be suddenly wonderful under a labour government, but if it we have a government (of any colour) that ceases to behave in such a corrupt, partisan and anti-democratic way as the current one it will be a massive bonus.

We need trust put back into our politics.

I agree with MaizieD. We do need a second chamber.

"So hope for a great sea-change
On the far side of revenge.
Believe that a farther shore
Is reachable from here.
Believe in miracles
And cures and healing wells"

Seamus Heaney

My one hope really is that this is the bottom, and both in the UK and internationally 2024 starts to see a turnaround in our lives. A sleaze and corruption free political landscape is probably too much to hope for, but that would be a huge bonus.

It's a happy thought, WWM2, but I find it hard to believe that life will be suddenly wonderful, politically, under a Labour government. However, my fingers will remain crossed.
They certainly cannot be worse than the present lot.

I do hope that the Tories get booted out of power they deserve it, however I realize the a Labour government has got a massive amount of work to do, there isn’t going to be a lot of big changes and they will have their criticisms and failures.

As for the House of Lords, the upper house, often the Senate in other countries causes the government a lot of problems and prevents legislation belong carried. In the UK the Lords has limited powers, giving it more is fine as long as you agree with their opinion

Possibly having a Senate elected by PR and having a veto power would be a step forward for UK

I agree with you, MaizieD on the need for a second chamber which is not subject to the exact same influences which at any time are affecting the House of Commons. If the Commons is being swayed by populist enthusiasm for a passing fancy, then the second chamber should be immune to that. If the Commons/Cabinet is full of rich blokes whose main policy is to get even richer, the second chamber should contain people who are passionate about their careers outside politics, or their selfless work for those less fortunate than themselves, or (this won't please the keep-religion-out-of politics brigade) are concerned for the spiritual and moral health of the population, of whatever faith or none, or their physical health whether through the NHS or through other medical-type professions

I am not sure just how that could be achieved. Perhaps a quota of representatives from different professions and occupations? Then it has to be worked out how those quotas can be chosen out of their "constitiencies" of experienced workers in each category? That takes you back to elections - it is a circle!

Anyone have any workable ideas? (or even unworkable, to stimulate discussion)

Dare we dream of an ethical Labour government. We certainly need rid of the corruption, the way ministers/prime ministers lie so easily.
I’m with MaizieD on getting rid of hereditaries and appointment on merit.

Yes more devolution of powers to the regions.
I’d like to see central govt funding to local authorities improved to fit local need. I’m in what was a Labour council. We are a deprived northern area and our funds were cut while Kensington and Chealsea were increased. Result - we lost our family centres and preventive work with families. The council could barely meet its statutory duties. This led to an increase in children in need and care proceedings
Apologies for my rant - we need a Labour government

While agreeing with much of what you say,*Wwmk2*, I can't support a fully elected second chamber. The HoL in its present state has been one of the only restraints on our rogue government because it has a non partisan element. I fear ending up with a USA style situation.

I would prefer to get rid of the hereditaries and the bishops and to have a partially elected second chamber with a proportion of members appointed on merit/expertise.

When you start discovering how our elected House of Commons is open to being filled with MPs totally inadequate to the task of legislating for the good of the country it doesn't fill one with enthusiasm for a second, similarly constituted chamber...

I would like to see more devolution of powers to the regions...

I totally agree with all you say WWM2 I am feeling very despondent with it all