Dear Dennis
I am very grateful to you and your fellow Commissioners for agreeing to serve on the Appointments Commission for further three-year terms.
I am taking this opportunity to re-emphasise the Commission’s remit, given the unwarranted criticism that the last list attracted in some quarters. The Commission was asked to find people of distinction who would bring authority and expertise to the House of Lords, and that remit continues. I would wish you to recommend individuals for non-party-political peerages based on their merit and ability to contribute effectively to the work of the House. Nominees must have independence, integrity and a commitment to the highest standards of public life. In making your recommendations, I trust you will be able to continue to consider nominees who would broaden the expertise and experience of the House and reflect the diversity of the people of the United Kingdom. The Commission’s other role - vetting all recommendations to the House of Lords - also continues.
I shall be inviting the Commission to recommend a small number of non-party-political peers, while discussion on the reform of the Lords continues, not least following our initial response to the latest report of the Joint Committee.
The Commission has performed a valuable role in recommending non-party-political members. I welcome your account of its first term and thank all the Commission members for their work so far.
I shall, with your agreement, make this letter public.
Tony Blair
The Lord Stevenson of Coddenham
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