House of Lords Appointments Commission

House of Lords Appointments Commission – New Non–Party Political Peers

Seven new non–party–political peers recommended by the independent House of Lords Appointments Commission were among those announced by the Prime Minister today.

The new non–political peers are:

• Professor Sir Alec Nigel Broers (65), currently President of the Royal Academy of Engineering

• Ms Nicola Jane Chapman (42), who works with disabled and disadvantaged people

• Sir Ewen Cameron (54), previously the Chairman of the Countryside Agency and the Rural Advocate, who has a long history of working to achieve an improved quality of life in rural Britain

• Dr Frances D’Souza (60), who is internationally recognised for her work in the field of human rights

• Professor Elaine Murphy (57), who is a nationally and internationally recognised leader in her clinical and academic field of the mental health of older people

• Professor Lola Young (52), a leading academic in Cultural Studies involved in enhancing culture in London

• Dr Diljit Rana (65), one of Northern Ireland’s leading businessmen

Chairman of the House of Lords Appointments Commission, Dennis Stevenson said:

“These seven people that we recommended to the Prime Minister are inspiring individuals from a variety of fields – from medical and agricultural to Human Rights and the arts. They have a great deal of knowledge and expertise that will, I hope, make a valuable contribution to the workings of the House.”

Commission member, Navnit Dholakia added:

“ The new peers have a range of experience and skills which will be extremely useful in debates and in scrutinising the detail of legislation passing through the Upper House. They are independent of political parties and have a lot to offer. We wish them well.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. Media enquiries about the work of the House of Lords Appointments Commission should go to Maggie O’Boyle on 07880 740627.

2. The Appointments Commission is a non-statutory advisory body set up by the Prime Minister to make recommendations for non-party political peers. The Commission’s remit is to find people of distinction who will bring authority and expertise to the House of Lords. The Commission recommends individuals on merit and their ability to contribute effectively to the work of the House.

3. The Commission is also responsible for vetting all recommendations to the House of Lords, including those of the political parties, for propriety. The Commission’s role is to advise the Prime Minister after carrying out a number of checks. The decision to recommend peers to Her Majesty remains with the Prime Minister. Further information about the vetting role of the Appointments Commission can be obtained from www.lordsappointments.gov.uk

4. The membership of the House of Lords Appointments Commission was announced by the Prime Minister on 4th May 2000. The Chairman of the House of Lords Appointments Commission is Lord Dennis Stevenson, a cross bench peer who is Chairman of Pearson and HBOS. The Commission comprises three other non-party political members: Mrs Angela Sarkis CBE, Dame Deirdre Hine and Mrs Felicity Huston. These members of the Commission were selected through an open process conducted in accordance with the principles of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The Commission also includes three members nominated by each of the three main political parties: Baroness Brenda Dean of Thornton–le–Fylde (Labour), Lord Douglas Hurd of Westwell (Conservative) and Lord Navnit Dholakia (Liberal Democrat). The terms of all members were renewed in 2003 for a further 3 years.

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