Second Chambers

Heather Evennett

Documents to download

Second Chambers (439 KB , PDF)

Download ‘Second Chambers’ report (439 KB , PDF)

This Library Note looks at bicameral legislatures in other parts of the world and provides an overview of some of the features of other second chambers, and how these compare to the current House of Lords. The Note is intended as a short reference guide, and looks at the size of the second chambers; membership terms; and methods of selecting members. The Note concludes with a brief discussion of the powers of second chambers.

Documents to download

Second Chambers (439 KB , PDF)

Download ‘Second Chambers’ report (439 KB , PDF)

UK-Ukraine 100-year partnership agreement: House of Lords International Agreements Committee report

The UK signed a 100-year partnership agreement with Ukraine in January 2025, setting out commitments to cooperate on defence and security, as well as in other policy fields. The House of Lords International Agreements Committee supported the rationale behind the agreement, but said it lacked detail and a plan for implementation. It recommended the agreement should be reviewed in the event Russia and Ukraine reach a peace settlement.
- Defence
- Foreign Policy
Peerages created following prime ministerial resignations

UK prime ministers may draw up a resignation honours list on their departure from office, in which they may request that the reigning monarch grant honours to any number of people. Such honours may include peerages, knighthoods and damehoods, or other awards. However, not all have chosen to draw up such a list. This briefing lists those prime ministers who have requested that peerages be conferred on their departure from office.
Media Freedom Coalition and the UK’s actions to ensure the safety and security of journalists worldwide

The UK co-founded and is a member of the Media Freedom Coalition, which advocates for media freedom, the safety of journalists, and holding those who harm journalists to account. More than 50 journalists have been killed every year since 2019, often with impunity. They can also be subject to detention and legal intimidation. The previous government worked with the UN and other multilateral organisations to promote media freedom, and the current government has said it will protect independent journalism.

Documents to download

Documents to download

Related posts

UK-Ukraine 100-year partnership agreement: House of Lords International Agreements Committee report

Peerages created following prime ministerial resignations

Media Freedom Coalition and the UK’s actions to ensure the safety and security of journalists worldwide