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Baroness Smith of Basildon

Baroness Smith of Basildon

@LadyBasildon

A chance to get Lords reform right
Parliament
By Baroness Smith of Basildon
A chance to get Lords reform right
With the Hereditary Peers Bill nearing completion and phase two reform underway, Baroness Smith, Leader of the House of Lords, sets out how the Lords can move pragmatically on retirement, participation and the size of the House
Tribute to Lord Prescott – by Baroness Smith
Obituaries
By Baroness Smith of Basildon
Tribute to Lord Prescott – by Baroness Smith
Witty, passionate and down-to-earth, John Prescott was a natural communicator. He also made a real difference in government, leading a programme of change as deputy prime minister and a secretary of state
A responsible opposition would not rebuff the government’s manifesto commitment to remove hereditary peers
Political parties
By Baroness Smith of Basildon
A responsible opposition would not rebuff the government’s manifesto commitment to remove hereditary peers
The government has the right to get its bills through the Lords – and the Lords is right to scrutinise
Tribute to Lord Rosser – by Baroness Smith
Obituaries
By Baroness Smith of Basildon
Tribute to Lord Rosser – by Baroness Smith
A former trade union general secretary, local magistrate and shadow minister, Richard Rosser was dedicated to improving the lives of working people. A true gentleman, quick witted and great company, no one ever had a bad word to say about him
'Insightful': Baroness Smith reviews 'Harold Wilson: The Winner'
Books & culture
By Baroness Smith of Basildon
'Insightful': Baroness Smith reviews 'Harold Wilson: The Winner'
A detailed and thorough account drawing on previously unavailable sources, Nick Thomas-Symonds’ biography of Harold Wilson offers fresh insights into one of Labour’s greatest prime ministers
'He inspired deep and genuine affection.' Baroness Smith pays tribute to Lord McKenzie
Obituaries
By Baroness Smith of Basildon
'He inspired deep and genuine affection.' Baroness Smith pays tribute to Lord McKenzie
As I read the tributes to Bill on social media and various WhatsApp groups from Labour colleagues and others, it struck me that this decent, honourable, and kind man would never have realised just how much he meant to people. Yes, he was hugely respected in every corner of the House, but more than that, he inspired deep and genuine affection.
Lords Diary: Baroness Smith of Basildon
By Baroness Smith of Basildon
Lords Diary: Baroness Smith of Basildon

The shadow Leader of the Lords reflects on cross-party working, the content (and pagaentry) of the Queen's Speech, and what the next few days may hold
Baroness Smith: After the malaise, we must offer opportunity and optimism
Political parties
By Baroness Smith of Basildon
Baroness Smith: After the malaise, we must offer opportunity and optimism

Labour must lead that drive for a radical overhaul of our national infrastructure, writes Baroness Smith
Baroness Smith: This is a constitutional outrage verging on a coup – and must be challenged
By Baroness Smith of Basildon
Baroness Smith: This is a constitutional outrage verging on a coup – and must be challenged

Boris Johnson's decision to shut down Parliament is the act of an autocrat not a democrat. Politicians from all parties and none – and in both Houses – must assert the authority of those elected to the Commons, writes Baroness Smith 
Baroness Smith: David Cameron’s unhappy legacy of police cuts
Home affairs
By Baroness Smith of Basildon
Baroness Smith: David Cameron’s unhappy legacy of police cuts
Shadow Home Office Minister Baroness Angela Smith of Basildon examines the Prime Minister’s record as we approach the general election.