In what is being described as the biggest parliamentary reform in a quarter of a century, it is encouraging to see Starmer make good on his general election promise to continue the reform of the House of Lords, a process begun by Tony Blair and his government in 1999. It is proposed that the UK’s 92 remaining hereditary peers lose their right to sit and vote in the House of Lords. 

Some of these peers can trace their family’s presence in the Lords back to the Middle Ages. The Guardian notes: "All of them are men, thanks to titles that can be passed only to male heirs, all are white and most are over the age of 70. Of the 92 hereditary peers, 42 are Conservatives and 28 are crossbenchers."

As constitution minister, Nick Thomas-Symonds, said: "The hereditary principle in law-making has lasted for too long and is out of step with modern Britain.

"The second chamber plays a vital role in our constitution and people should not be voting on our laws in Parliament by an accident of birth." 

My desire to see our existing UK Honours System replaced with an Independent Honours Commission, free from favour and privilege, where honours recipients are recognised for the contribution to society, remains as strong as ever. This latest move regarding the Reform of the Upper House feels like a big step in the right direction.

Let's continue the campaign!