In hard-hitting remarks, India-born peer Lord Swraj Paul has called for far-reaching reforms in the working of the House of Lords in the backdrop of his own brush with the House over expenses claims.
Warning that it would be unwise to neglect wide-ranging reforms of the House, the NRI industrialist told his fellow peers that “we should govern ourselves with the same degree of propriety that we expect from the civil institutions of government.”
Lord Paul, who was suspended for four months from the House last year over expenses claims, during a debate on ‘House of Lords Reform’ last night, demanded that the rules of the House should be applied equally to all members as he had felt discriminated when action against him was taken.
“If there are any investigations or allegations regarding members of this House, all those concerned must be treated equally, selective application of rules against some and exculpation of others is discriminatory,” he said.
Demanding transparency in the functioning of the House, Lord Paul said that whenever the House of Lords or its committee conduct investigation or examine evidence, it is essential that all relevant documents be made available.
“I believe it is essential that in any proceedings against a Member of his House, that the Member should be allowed some legal representation, especially if he or she is to be subject to unrestrained cross-examination by legal luminaries,” he said.
“Simply summoning members and denying them the right to legal representation is something that our justice system would not tolerate. Neither should we,” he added.