Peers speak out against moving House of Lords from London to York

Moving the House of Lords to the city of York would be "a constitutional emasculation and a gesture of disrespect", opponents have warned at Westminster.

Peers have rounded on the suggestion that the unelected chamber could be relocated from London, with accusations that the Government "keeps this hare running".

They argued it would lead to greater centralisation in the hands of the executive and not bring Parliament closer to the people.

In the face of criticism, Cabinet Office minister Lord True said any decision on moving the Lords from the Palace of Westminster to York was a matter for Parliament and not the Government.

However, he said the Lords should not appear in "a state of shock" at the idea that some of its proceedings might take place outside the capital.

Lord True pointed out that as part of the multibillion-pound plans to refurbish the crumbling Palace of Westminster, consideration was being given to "alternative sitings for Parliament", by the group overseeing the mammoth project.

Senior Tories confirmed earlier this year the option to move the Lords, where the Government does not have a majority, was being considered by ministers in a bid to "reconnect" with voters.

Parts of the Civil Service are to be moved out of central London to other areas of the UK in a "levelling up" drive by the administration.