Public backs House of Commons on Lords Reform by more than 2-to-1

11.59.00pm GMT Mon 12th Mar 2007

Unlock Democracy has published polling evidence showing that the general public supports the House of Commons vote for a fully elected second chamber by more than 2-to-1.

Asked "MPs have recently decided that the House of Lords should be fully elected. Do you approve of this decision or disapprove?" the survey of 1,003 people polled by ICM found that 63% supported the reform, compared to just 26% who disapproved.

Commenting, Director of Unlock Democracy Peter Facey said,

"Reformers will be emboldened by these figures. The public have clearly welcomed the lead given by MPs last week. Only a small minority support the status quo.

"The House of Lords, which is debating second chamber reform this week, have a clear choice: attempt to delay the inevitable, or work with us to ensure that the reformed second chamber is as democratic and as effective as possible.

"Regardless of the peers' own personal views on reform, the fact remains that they have lost the argument amongst both MPs and the public. Every day they delay reform, they increase the crisis of legitimacy which we face in British politics."

Result of survey:

"MPs have recently decided that the House of Lords should be fully elected. Do you approve of this decision or disapprove?"

• Approve strongly: 41%

• Approve slightly: 22%

• Neither approve nor disapprove: 6%

• Disapprove slightly: 10%

• Disapprove strongly: 16%

• Don't know: 5%

ICM Research interviewed a random sample of 1003 adults aged 18+ by telephone between 9 -11 March 2007. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at www.icmresearch.co.uk