In the midst of all the news today, and with Parliament prorogued, many people may not have noticed that this was the final time the hereditary peers sat in Parliament before being forced out by Labour.
I want to pay an extra special tribute to them.
Combined they had 1784 years of parliamentary experience, wisdom and service to this country. That is not something easily replaced, and it should not be casually discarded.
Most were Conservatives. All were public servants.
They have brought to public life judgment shaped over decades, deep expertise, institutional memory, and a sense of duty that has strengthened Parliament and, very often, improved legislation in ways the public will never fully see.
Their record speaks for itself. They have served in war and peace, in government and opposition, in defence, diplomacy, farming, business, science and public service. They have not merely occupied seats in the Lords, they have contributed to the life of the nation.
That is why what has happened matters. Hereditary peers are a living part of Britain’s constitutional inheritance that Labour is casually tearing up.
Labour has rubbed away another part of our heritage, not to strengthen Parliament but to replace it with political appointees, four of whom it has already had to suspend the whip from because they were so inappropriate. That contrast says rather a lot.
At a time when public trust in politics is fragile, I think it is worth saying plainly that experience, seriousness and tradition still matter. Service still matters. Duty still matters.
So today, as an era closes, I want to put on record my profound gratitude and admiration for our hereditary peers. Britain has been better governed because of them. The Conservative Party has been stronger because of them. And Parliament will be poorer without them.
Their contribution will long outlast the petty politics that has brought this moment about.
From the BBC News to the Marathon des Sables...
Running on Air is the inspiring story of @sophieraworth's journey into the world of running in her early 40s and the joy, confidence and strength it has given her along the way.
Publishing 23rd April.
The Government can still say YES to screening for prostate cancer for all high-risk men. If we act now, we can save lives. Add your name today. https://t.co/p64RD4MT0a
Our intelligence reports that Russia is preparing new massive attacks. We are speaking frankly to our partners—both about air-defense missiles and the systems we need so much. Supplies are insufficient. We are trying to speed things up, and it's crucial that our partners hear us.
@f1speedreader Very sad to read this news. One of the great biographers, who I have enjoyed following on here. I bought Villeneuve in Harrods in c 1990 and read it in 24 hrs. Often revisit his writing. Sincere condolences to his family. RIP.
@MichaelHod71280 Turn down the sound, pause it by a few seconds and turn on TMS for an altogether less stressful experience. (The delay also often means we're doing slightly better than we actually are!)
I just signed @PCR_News' petition calling for the Government to commit to a national prostate cancer screening programme for all high-risk men. Screening will save lives. Join me and add your name! #prostatecancer https://t.co/i81tG561Gv
'Men, go and get yourself checked'
Former #BBCBreakfast presenter Dermot Murnaghan spoke about being diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer
https://t.co/Go3k0UIyny
Thanks to everyone who's donated to my JustGiving page so far. You've helped me become one of JustGiving's top 10 percent of fundraisers last month! You can see what I'm doing and why here: https://t.co/7rED3zftie
@LapChallenge Would be nice if they just send us an email saying this is your Passport Number, NI Number, Tax UPRN, NHS Number, Driving Licence number, Companies House number (owners and directors) and say "Please confirm, Tick Here 🔲.
@LapChallenge Would be nice if they just send us an email saying this is your Passport Number, NI Number, Tax UPRN, NHS Number, Driving Licence number, Companies House number (owners and directors) and say "Please confirm, Tick Here 🔲.