Many of the ‘silent peers’ in the House of Lords are octogenarians

They are the silent — but costly — peers. About one in seven members of the Lords made no spoken or written contributions to the House in the year to March 2019, even though they have claimed more than £1m in allowances and expenses.

Six of the 10 biggest silent claimants were Labour peers. Lord Gordon of Strathblane, 83, made no spoken contributions yet claimed £53,914 in daily allowances and expenses, including more than £2,000 on taxis.

The former boss of Scottish Radio Holdings was on the select committee on communications, where, he said: “I think you will find I spoke almost every week.”

However, 98 silent members did not sit on any committees. Among them is Baroness Adams of Craigielea, 72. The former Labour