The House of Lords made several changes to its procedures during the Covid-19 pandemic. This included the use of virtual sittings and sittings which featured both physical and remote participation. This article provides a chronology of these developments.
What have been the largest ever votes in the House of Lords? This briefing provides a list of divisions since 1999 where 500 or more Members have voted.
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.
In Focus
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.
In Focus
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.
Research Briefing
Following the recent announcement of 36 new life peers by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, this briefing provides information and statistics on peers created under the Life Peerages Act 1958. This includes breakdowns by decade and by prime minister. It also contains a list of every life peer appointed under the Act.
In Focus
There is no formal retirement age for members of the House of Lords. However, members can voluntarily retire under the provisions of the House of Lords Reform Act 2014. This article explains how these provisions came into force and details how many members have retired under this legislation so far.
In Focus
There is no fixed number of seats in the House of Lords, and its make up can change week by week. This piece provides a snapshot of its composition in June 2020.
Research Briefing
There is no fixed number of seats in the House of Lords, and its make up can change week by week. This Library briefing provides a snapshot of its composition on 12 June 2020.
In Focus
The UK’s second chamber has adapted in response to the coronavirus pandemic. But to what extent have some of the changes affected participation levels?
In Focus
Fewer than 90 peerages can be inherited by a female heir, and may pass in the female line. This article examines proposals put forward by campaign groups, and some parliamentarians, which would see a change in the rules preventing women inheriting titles.
In Focus
This article summarises the scrutiny of the Coronavirus Act 2020 in the House of Lords. The Act was emergency legislation passed by Parliament in response to the coronavirus outbreak. The Act provided the Government with a range of powers to tackle the disease, including: the closure of schools and nurseries; powers to detain those suspected of having the virus; and restrictions on public gatherings.
Research Briefing
The Government has proposed setting up a constitution, democracy and rights commission to consider broad aspects of the UK’s constitution. This would look at issues including the relationship between the government, parliament, and the courts; the functioning of the royal prerogative; the role of the House of Lords; and access to justice.
Research Briefing
This proposed law seeks to end hereditary by-elections in the House of Lords.
Research Briefing
This House of Lords Library briefing presents a range of information on the membership of the House of Lords as at 17 January 2020. All figures are for the membership as at this date unless otherwise stated.
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