HERE we go again – another alleged left-wing Labour politician lining their pockets by being a member of the undemocratic House of Lords (New Labour MSP claimed £14,699 for Baroness role, May 31). There used to be a time when Labour were against this abomination to democracy – now they just see it as a retirement home for political has-beens.

To be fair I’m not too concerned about the amount Katy Clark has claimed (although over three-and-a-half months this is almost equal to the annual salary of a local councillor – someone who has to be elected by their constituents, unlike the Lords). At least she has attended the political museum of the Lords and taken part in debates – in stark contrast to other members, most notably former Labour MP Irene Adams, who claims thousands every year but never seems to open her mouth!

READ MORE: New Labour MSP claimed almost £15k for Baroness role in less than four months

If we ever needed another reason for independence then surely ditching the House of Lords is one. Why waste money on a bunch of political flunkies waltzing around a museum wearing a dead ferret across their shoulders?

The House of Lords only reminds us that the UK is not a fully functional democracy – let’s campaign for democracy and that can only be achieved with Independence.

Cllr Kenny MacLaren
Paisley