I'm very pro House of Lords for this reason: It has, in the past, saved us from dictatorial lunacy by watering it down to acceptable levels. They provide a vital check and balance. The Religious Hatred Bill from the 2000s, for instance, would have crippled free speech in all sorts of ways. It was opposed by religious groups and secularists alike, but Blair et al were determined to bludgeon it through, even though the wording meant it was wide open for nefarious misuse. The Lords reworded it and quelled the madness.

The Lords are not controlled by party whips, and therefore vote on the issues, not the party politics. Is the system perfect? No. Is there corruption? I have no doubt. But the alternative is unthinkable.