This In Focus note briefly outlines the Salisbury-Addison Convention, and its interpretation and development.
The Salisbury-Addison Convention (98 KB , PDF)
The Salisbury-Addison Convention is one of the conventions which regulates the relationship between the House of Lords and the Executive. Briefly, it states that the Lords should not seek to prevent the Government from implementing manifesto pledges in legislation. The operation and understanding of the convention has changed and evolved over time. In May 2006, the Joint Committee on Conventions of the UK Parliament was established, and as part of this inquiry the Joint Committee examined the Salisbury-Addison Convention and presented its own understanding of its operation.
The Salisbury-Addison Convention (98 KB , PDF)
Under the provisions of the House of Lords Act 1999, 92 ‘excepted’ hereditary peers can sit in the House of Lords. The House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill would remove this exemption and also abolish the jurisdiction of the House of Lords in hereditary peerage claims.
The House of Lords Appointments Commission (HOLAC) vets nominations to the House and recommends non-party political members. While its advice is usually followed, it is not a statutory body and the prime minister can choose to disregard its advice. This briefing provides an overview of the role and powers of the commission and summarises recent debates concerning its reform.
Ministers are needed in the House of Lords to take legislation through the House and answer for the government during questions and debates. Some cabinet ministers are appointed from the Lords. For example, the leader of the House of Lords is always a member of the Lords. This briefing looks at the role of ministers in the House of Lords and how they are scrutinised.
