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It is my hope that a reformed House of Lords will be distinctive and yet representative.

A distinctive representativeness will probably mean that it cannot be wholly elected.

It will need members from a broad cross-section of the community representing the professions, business, trade unions, universities, ethnic groups and faith communities.

Naturally, the method of appointment should inspire confidence. Non-political members should be there either ex-officio (like the Law Lords and Bishops) or appointed in a way that is seen as independent.

I hope that a way can be found to appoint some representatives from other churches and faiths, while maintaining the special position of the established Church.

The House should remain a place for reflecting in a relatively calm way, on national and international issues and it should have the expertise and the experience to do so.

It should continue to be seen as a revising chamber, where primary legislation can receive a good hard look before it becomes the law of the land.

Finally, it should be a resourcing institution, where the accumulated wisdom of the nation is made available to addressing particular problems.