This In Focus article considers the impact of changes the House of Lords has made during the pandemic on Member participation, focusing on the period between the introduction of hybrid proceedings and the beginning of the 2020 summer recess.
Documents to download
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History of the House of Lords: A Short Introduction (354 KB, PDF)
In so doing, the briefing charts the principal developments affecting the House over the course of its history and highlights the main changes and legislation passed. Since the 19th century a number of Acts of Parliament have had a noteworthy effect on the role, powers and membership of the House of Lords. These include:
- Appellate Jurisdiction Act 1876
- Parliament Act 1911 and 1949
- Life Peerages Act 1958
- Peerage Act 1963
- House of Lords Act 1999
- House of Lords Reform Act 2014
- House of Lords (Expulsion and Suspension) Act 2015
This briefing identifies other proposals made that have sought to reform the House, either in regard to its role, powers and/or membership. Significant reform proposals over the last 100 years, including those sponsored by the Government of the day, have included:
- Bryce Commission 1918
- Parliament (No 2) Bill 1968–69
- Wakeham Commission 2000
- House of Lords Reform Bill 2012–13
- Strathclyde Review (2015)
This updated briefing also summarises the proposals for reform debated during the 2015–17 parliament.
Documents to download
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History of the House of Lords: A Short Introduction (354 KB, PDF)
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There is currently no cap on the membership of the House of Lords. Some have recommended the introduction of a cap to address concerns about the size of the House. This article discusses recent proposals to cap the membership at 600 and sets out the Government's position. It also contains brief information on recent changes in the size of the House.
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This article analyses the 36 new peerages announced by the Prime Minister on 31 July 2020. It provides statistics on the background, gender and party affiliation of the new peers. The article also compares the number and gender balance of peers created by Boris Johnson with those of the former Prime Ministers Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Theresa May.
