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https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51178628
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-51191279
Three stories over the last few days on political/constitutional reform.
On moving the House of Lords to a different location to the Commons, I think that is unworkable. Reform of the chamber needs to happen, but I think this is just a silly idea and nothing will come of it.
On Brown's warning about the future of the UK, his government did more to damage the future of the country than everyone. The Blair government created the concept of there being four nations in the UK (I thought we were just one nation) each with its own government, except England. So, he should just shut up and go back into retirement.
And on councils, are these super councils a good idea? I can understand efficiency and perhaps the County Council maybe past its sell by date now, but is having all powerful unitary councils the future of local government in the country?
Oh, I have long held the view that the Lords and the HoC for that matter, should move out of London. I propose they are both relocated in a new purpose built facility in Barrow-in-Furness.
Firstly, Barrow is an absolute arse to get to from the South of England, so the road network and rail system will receive an instant upgrade, an airport would be nice too.
Secondly, only the most dedicated would actually stand for election because they would have to live for at least half of their time in Barrow and that will make a man out of anyone, including the women.
Thirdly, it is fairly equidistant from all four UK Capital Cities so we could abolish the regional assemblies and save a few quid and a lot of pointless hot air, and we must think about the climate these days...mustn't we?
Fourth, it would make it much harder work to organise a protest outside parliament.
Fifth, it would make a glorious backdrop for hosting dignitaries from overseas.
It would remove focus and importance from London, and that cannot be a bad thing.