The government is trying to get its Lords reform plans past its own backbenchers - in a two day debate in which an expected Tory rebellion could derail the legislation.

Former Speaker of the Commons Lady Boothroyd, who sits on the cross benches in the Lords, labels the scheme for reform as "an outrage".

She says she is all in favour of "proper reform, but in a way that preserves the best of our traditions."

Labour opposes the limit the amount of time MPs can spend discussing the issue and up to 100 Tories are expected to rebel when voting on the timetable takes place.

"I've never witnessed such a reckless attempt to change the British constitution," she told the Today programme.

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