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I've always said that I favour an elected second chamber and I think it's important that there are members of the House of Lords who are willing to vote for their own demise.

I have a huge admiration for the House of Lords, I have a huge admiration for the people who work in the House of Lords, they're great public servants and they do an absolutely tremendous job.

I need to maintain a home in Derbyshire and in London to be able both to represent my constituents and to fulfil my responsibilities as an MP and as a minister.

Labour politicians for generations have fought to bring democracy to the House of Lords.

I am not going to the House of Lords. Never. That's not who I am. That's not where I am.

The House of Lords has many fine aspects, but at its heart, it is a betrayal of the core democratic principle that those in the enlightened world hold so dear - that those who make the laws of the land should be elected by those who must obey those laws.

Mongolia is a country of rich and ancient heritage, unique culture and astounding natural beauty. It is a land of free and brave, peace-loving and hard-working people.

Tony Blair - good thing there are not parliamentary elections in this country.

The House of Lords says I'm not a member of it. My passport says I am - get used to it.

I have spent time in Mongolia, in China.