House of Lords data dashboard: Current membership of the House
This page provides interactive data on the current membership of the House of Lords.

This House of Lords Library briefing covers the maiden and valedictory speeches made during the last two sessions of 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, 2022–2024 (564 KB , PDF)
The first speech made by a member of the House of Lords is known as a maiden speech. Section 2 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 last two sessions of 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 last two sessions of parliament eight members chose to take up this opportunity—the full text of three of these speeches can be found in section 3.
House of Lords: Maiden and valedictory speeches, 2022–2024 (564 KB , PDF)
This page provides interactive data on the current membership of the House of Lords.
The government’s House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill would remove the right of hereditary peers to sit and vote in the House of Lords and abolish its jurisdiction in hereditary peerage claims. The bill completed its Commons stages unamended and was introduced in the House of Lords in November 2024. The bill’s second reading in the Lords took place on 11 December 2024. This briefing provides an overview of that debate and lists the areas which future amendments could focus on.
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.