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There's much more we can be doing in Parliament, we could be giving more power back to people at local government level, through local referendums.

I understand the principles of dissent in parliament.

I understand the damage the expenses crisis has done to Parliament, and the paramount importance of restoring trust in our politics.

We must restore faith in politics. Reform of the House of Lords is only one part of the answer, but it is a vital one.

Changes to parliamentary procedure won't transform the lives of the people whom I represent. Decentralising, devolving decision-making and renewing civil society will.

I am totally in favour of reform - but it must be reform that changes the nature of British politics, not simply the makeup or operation of parliament.

We will absolutely respect the law until we are in government at the national level and can change it.

It's not just parliament that requires radical modernisation. It's our democratic processes.

We just have to be crystal clear that if we were to abandon all the reforms made over some very painful years in the Labour party, we would be consigned back to opposition.

It is important that the decorum and dignity of the House is upheld at all times. The image of Parliament in the public mind should be one where proceedings, debates and discussions take place with a view to resolve issues through a constructive and co-operative approach.