Out of interest, which decisions around the response to the current crisis do you think have been stymied by the second chamber? I ask that in the spirit of neutrality proposed by the OP - because I genuinely can't think of a single one; and I am in favour of constitutional reform, so we get off on the right foot.

On the NHS and the 'ageing population' problem - I have long advocated radical reform of the Social Care sector - and I speak from the inside; that in itself would solve a significant swathe of the problems faced by the NHS. But successive H&SC Secretaries forget the SC part of the brief.

Bell curve theory of intelligence.

Ask Michael Gove about that one - he's a big fan.

I take your point but I don't agree with it - in any environment there is a pyramid structure - whether its a supermarket chain or a drug gang - there is only one person at the top and many more underneath. If you are born with higher intelligence you have a greater opportunity - that has nothing to do with wealth - in fact the opposite. State education against private will have an impact only because usually the parents are more engaged and for me that is what makes the difference the family environment - it is no surprise that kids that do well from more basic beginnings are those whose parents see the value in education and are both engaged and supportive. They also believe in opportunity - and supporting their children's hopes and aspirations. They are not beat before they start with all this only the toffs get on - its absolute rubbish.

rlrl

Very good point, very well made.

Enjoy the sunshine (safely and responsibly) friends and frenemies.