Opinions differ on what, exactly, Britain's House of Lords is. Many would like to see it abolished.
But is that such a good idea? How are you supposed to describe a house that completely defies all description? The body has never been elected – or, at least, its members have not been chosen in elections that could be remotely described as free and democratic. It is a place that is impossible to grasp. And it's existence can in no way be defended. Or can it?