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Eleventh Edition

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Chapter 17

The House of Lords

Chapter Summary

The House of Lords serves as a notable body of scrutiny – both of legislation and of administration and public policy – and as a body for giving expression to views that otherwise would not be put on the public record. As such, it adds value to the political process. The fact that it is not elected means that it has limited significance as a body for legitimising government and measures of public policy and as a body through which politicians are recruited to ministerial office. The fact that it is not elected also makes it a target of continuing demands for reform.

The question of what to do with the House of Lords has been a matter of debate for more than a century. The election of a Labour government in 1997, committed to reform of the House, brought it to the forefront of debate. The removal in 1999 of most hereditary peers from membership fundamentally changed the composition of the House. It became a chamber composed overwhelmingly of life peers. For some, that was a perfectly acceptable chamber. For others, it was not. The House of Lords serves not only as a forum to discuss political issues. It is itself a political issue. That is likely to remain the case.

Learning Objectives

  • To describe the nature, the development and role of the House of Lords.
  • To identify the extent and consequences of fundamental changes made to the House in recent years.
  • To assess proposals for further change to the second chamber.

Quizzes

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Discussion Questions

  1. Given the changes made to the House of Lords, such as the removal of most hereditary peers, should further reforms be introduced to make it more democratic, or does its current structure serve an important purpose?
  2. Some argue that the House of Lords plays a crucial role in revising legislation due to its expertise and independence from elections. Others claim that it lacks democratic legitimacy. To what extent does the House of Lords enhance or weaken the UK’s legislative process?

Government Whips’ Office – Provides schedules and updates on House of Lords business. (www.lordswhips.org.uk)

House of Lords Official Website – Information on the structure and function of the Lords. (www.parliament.uk/business/lords/)

House of Lords Select Committees – A resource on Lords committees and their inquiries. (https://committees.parliament.uk/committees/?SearchTerm=&House=Lords&Active=Current)

HM Government: House of Lords Reform – A government paper on proposed reforms to the Lords. (www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/cm70/7027/7027.pdf)

Royal Commission on the Reform of the House of Lords – A report assessing potential reforms to the second chamber. (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-house-for-the-future-royal-commission-on-the-reform-of-the-house-of-lords)

Unlock Democracy – A group campaigning for democratic reform, including changes to the Lords. (https://www.unlockdemocracy.org.uk)

Flashcards

Refresh your knowledge of key terms with this chapter’s flashcards.

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