On peerages: a short thread. Thank you all so much for many wonderfully generous messages of support. It seems positive that the historic significance of Brexit has been recognised via so many of those offered peerages. It feels as much a recognition of voters as individuals 1/

I'm thrilled that many people I admire are joining #TheLords, especially some feisty women: @GiselaStuart @CatharineHoey @MorrisseyHelena. The irony is: having more democrats in the unelected #HoL at least might make the cause of democratic accountability harder to side-line 2/

For those reminding me that I've always argued to abolish the Lords: well spotted. I stand by that. But as w @TheGreenParty peers, I'll argue that in #HoL while it exists. I have some recent experience as an MEP of participating in an undemocratic body, which I disagree with 3/

To those who are so horrified that I have been made a peer that they are now calling for the House of Lords to be abolished or replaced by an elected 2nd chamber: Good call. 4/

Strange times politically. But I'll try to use this new role to voice concerns of those often side-lined & to argue for: free speech, no ifs or buts; more public debate; arts & education for their own sake; popular sovereignty... i.e. values I’ve fought for all my adult life 5/