This Library Note provides a chronology of key developments in the reform of the House of Lords since 1900.
House of Lords Reform: Chronology 1900-2010 (342 KB , PDF)
This Library Note provides a chronology of key developments in the reform of the House of Lords since 1900. It does not provide a comprehensive account of all reform proposals, but briefly summarises the context and outcome of significant proposals for reform of the composition and powers of the House in order to illustrate the shifting debate on the Lords over the last century. More detailed chronologies of recent reform proposals may be found in House of Lords Library Notes ‘Proposals for Reform of the Composition and Powers of the House of Lords, 1968–1998’ (July 1998, LLN 98/004) and ‘House of Lords Reform 1997–2010: A Chronology’ (June 2010, LLN 2010/015).
House of Lords Reform: Chronology 1900-2010 (342 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.
