The core defining argument of the retain approach is that the House of Lords should remain an appointed chamber. Retain can be divided between those who see no need for change at all and those who accept some need to change both the structures and the composition of the House, but without the need for an elected element. This chapter is concerned with the arguments advanced by those who have a principled belief in retaining an appointed second chamber, as distinct from governments which have ended up maintaining the existing House essentially as a default option or because they have not mobilised sufficient support to achieve a measure of election. Supporters of an appointed chamber argue, then, that it is fit for purpose in terms of fulfilling what is expected of it. They contend that is also in line with public expectations.