Queen Elizabeth II, speaking on Tuesday in the palace of Westminster, announced plans to abolish voting rights for hereditary peers. The occasion was her annual speech officially opening Parliament and setting out the legislative programme of the government for the forthcoming year. Accordingly, various changes were introduced to the semi-feudal ceremony that marks the opening of parliament. Instead of heading the royal procession, the Maltravers Herald Extraordinary, Bluemantle Pursivant and ten heralds effectively formed a procession of their own. The regal pomp and circumstance underscored the essentially conservative content of Blair's agenda.
Labour poses no such danger.
He said his government made a distinction between hereditary peers and monarchs. This, however, is not the case. There are no plans to create an elected second chamber. Further changes to the Lords have been put on ice, pending a Royal Commission that is expected to report in two years time. Blair has selected this form of PR because it will further enable his leadership to exercise control over the party.