Hi Everyone:

After the issues that arose yesterday, it has become obvious that the questioning system in the Lords is no longer functional as it currently stands. After reflection and discussion on ways to improve the system, and in keeping the spirit of this as a game and a hobby, we have come to the decision that our best course of action is to abolish PNQs and direct Lords to address their concerns via written questions. Written Questions will then go to open debate. This debate will be voluntary, and the SoS can choose to participate, but will not be expected to do.

After much debate and careful consideration of possible solutions, the Lords’ Speakership and Quadrumvirate have reached consensus,and there WILL NOT be a community vote.

We would also like to take this time to clarify the criteria for Written Questions, as there has been some ambiguity in the past, and we would like to make it more accessible. Ultimately, the decision on whether or not to accept them lies with the Lords Speakership, but in the interest of transparency, we do have some criteria that is worth sharing to help everyone understand the reasoning, and have the best chance at success:

• There does not already exist an opportunity to question the Secretary of State through normal means (no upcoming or recently concluded MQs, no recent urgent questions to that SoS, no recent written questions, no recent debate that has clearly covered this topic)
• The questions are to-the-point and reasonably specific (they should not be written to read like a political speech)
• There is not an excessive number of questions asked (1-3 is best, this ensures the Secretary of State gives a proper response as well)

There are also some criteria we would like to clarify do not affect whether Written Questions will be accepted:

• Written Questions do not need to be urgent or particularly pressing
• Written Questions may be asked even if a session of Oral Questions to the Leader of the House of Lords is ongoing

The Lords’ Speakership also reserves the right to deny Written Questions at our sole discretion if they are being overused and abused and if we deny Written Questions for this, or any other reason, the person who submitted them will receive an explanation as to why.

Let’s all remember that this is a game and we’re here to enjoy ourselves. We need to set reasonable parameters, and it is not reasonable to expect people to answer the type of questions that a real SoS (with a salary) might struggle to answer. The purpose of these questions is to enhance the experience of the players of this sim, and we have to remember the human in all of this.

We will also be implementing limits on question sessions in the House of Lords. Oral Questions will be the only type of direct question session in use in the Lords now and the limits will be applied as they are in the Commons. Lords will be able to ask 4 top level questions and Shadow Leaders of the House of Lords of major parties shall be eligible for 6 questions. There shall be no limit to follow up questions but the woolsack will monitor sessions and where this is abused it will be ruled out of order.

On the things we will be doing moving forward as they are things we all agree should be handled:

• Stopping Lords from voting on open divisions when they swear in
• Allowing debate at 2nd readings

Yours,

/u/chrispytoast123