Benches Quote by James Callaghan
“It is quite clear from what has been said and written that, time after time after time, there has been a conspiracy between the Conservative Front Bench in this House and the inbuilt Conservative majority in the House of Lords to defeat legislation that has passed through the House of Commons... I warn the House of Lords of the consequences... it is our strong view that the House of Lords should recall that its role is not that of a wrecking chamber, but of a revising chamber. In recent weeks, it has been wrecking legislation passed by this House.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: House of Commons, 1999
The Lords should act as a revising body, not a wrecking one; frequent obstruction undermines legislative intent and democratic balance.
In simple terms: Lords should amend, not block, legislation.
Key Takeaway
Advocate constructive review over obstruction.
Themes
governance
legislation
balance
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
political
reflective
When to use this quote
- policy drafting
- committee reviews
- public consultations
Key Concepts
parliamentary oversight
democratic accountability
Questions to Reflect On
- How can the Lords improve constructive criticism?
- What safeguards ensure balanced revision?
A Different Perspective
Political pressures may force opposition.
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