House of Lords

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.

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.

This proposed law seeks to end hereditary by-elections in the House of Lords.

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.

This House of Lords Library Briefing provides background information on the Extension of Franchise (House of Lords) Bill [HL], ahead of its second reading in the House of Lords on 7 February 2020.

This House of Lords Library briefing presents data on the regional background of the House of Lords within the context of continued interest in the composition of the House of Lords.

With reference to state openings in 2019, 2017, March 1974 and 1939, this briefing discusses the differences between a traditional state opening and one with reduced ceremonial elements.

This House of Lords Library briefing provides a list of the mover and seconder following each Queen’s Speech since 1997, along with each Member’s party affiliation at the time.

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.

This House of Lords Library briefing provides summary data on the size and composition of the House of Lords. The information is taken from the House of Lords registry database and is correct as at 29 November 2019.

How can the House of Commons pass laws the Lords disagrees with? The answer lies in two key pieces of legislation. The Parliament Act 1911 provided that any public bill rejected by the House of Lords could still be passed as long as three sessions over a two-year period had elapsed from its original second reading to its final third reading in the House of Commons. The Parliament Act 1949, passed 70 years ago, reduced that time period to one year and two sessions.

According to the Salisbury Convention, the House of Lords gives a second reading to government bills that seek to implement manifesto commitments, does not subject manifesto bills to wrecking amendments and returns manifesto bills to the Commons in reasonable time. This House of Lords Library Briefing examines the development of the convention and looks at the debates on how it applied after the 2010 and 2017 general elections, which both produced a hung parliament.

This House of Lords Library briefing lists former prime ministers who have held office since 1902, together with information on whether the individuals received a peerage after leaving the House of Commons.

This House of Lords Library Briefing has been prepared to mark the 100th anniversary of the Government of India Act 1919 receiving royal assent and the role of the peer of non-European descent, Lord Sinha, in piloting the Act through the Lords.

This House of Lords Library Briefing provides background information on the passing of the House of Lords Act 1999.