20.04.12
Positive response to ‘Lords relocation’ calls
The chief executive of Salford city council is among the people backing a call from Lord Adonis to relocate the House of Lords out of London to a Midlands or northern city.
Adonis said there was no need for the Lords, when it is reformed, to be based inLondon, and that siting it in Birmingham or Manchester would make it geographically, culturally and politically closer to the centre of the country.
He said: “London is New York, Washington and LA rolled into one, which is unhealthy for our national politics.”
He said moving the Lords north would mean that “half of our national politicians would then assemble well away from ‘Planet London’. The public purse would make a saving by selling the vast property portfolio the Lords has. And yes, yours truly – a proud Londoner – would be happy to lead the way, if by then I am still a member.”
The former Labour transport secretary won the backing of many people in the cities that stood to benefit – but a more cautious response from many of the Lords themselves, who say they need to be close to the Commons.
Barbara Spicer, the chief executive of Salford City Council, said: “The BBC's relocation to Salford has proved that moving north can be a really positive experience for businesses.
“We welcome opportunities that will give the region an economic boost.”
Conservative Birmingham City Council leader Cllr Mike Whitby told the Birmingham Mail: “I support the idea, and would be happy to speak to the Government about the formidable offer Birmingham could make.”
Image: Jim Trodel
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]