This House of Lords Library briefing covers the maiden and valedictory speeches made during the course of the 2017--2019 parliament. The first and last speeches made by a Member of the House of Lords are significant occasions and, by tradition, are marked with respect by the House.
House of Lords: Maiden and Valedictory Speeches, 2017-2019 (377 KB , PDF)
The first speech made by a Member of the House of Lords is known as a maiden speech. The second section of this Library briefing includes the full text of a selection of recent maiden speeches, made by a cross-section of Members from different parties and affiliations, to illustrate the range of styles and subjects covered by new Members in their first contribution to the proceedings of the House of Lords. A list of all Members’ maiden speeches made in the House of Lords during the course of the 2017–2019 parliament can be found in the appendices.
The House of Lords Reform Act 2014 enabled Members to retire from the House of Lords. It was agreed that Members should be given the opportunity to make a valedictory speech to mark their retirement. During the 2017–2019 parliament only two Members chose to take up this opportunity. The third section of this briefing includes the full text of both speeches.
House of Lords: Maiden and Valedictory Speeches, 2017-2019 (377 KB , PDF)
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.
This page provides interactive data on the creation of life peerages in the House of Lords.
In 2024 the restoration and renewal programme announced it would be developing three options to preserve the Palace of Westminster. Details should be presented to Parliament in 2025. Members will then decide whether the programme should temporarily relocate both Houses of Parliament, keep the Commons Chamber onsite while temporarily relocating the Lords, or conduct a rolling programme of works “to deliver enhanced maintenance and improvement”. Surveying, design and remediation work was also progressed in 2024.
