A major constitutional reform took a significant step forward today [Tuesday 15 October] with the Second Reading of the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill in the House of Commons.
The Bill, which seeks to remove the remaining 92 hereditary peers' right to sit and vote in the House of Lords, marks the most substantial reform of the UK Parliament in 25 years.
The proposed legislation aims to modernize the second chamber, making it more reflective of contemporary Britain, including increased representation of women and individuals from diverse backgrounds. The UK remains one of only two countries in the world with a hereditary element in its legislature, a vestige of historical privilege that this Bill seeks to finally abolish.
The roots of this reform date back to 1999, when the House of Lords Act significantly reduced the number of hereditary peers. This Bill will complete that process, fulfilling a long-standing manifesto commitment to update the UK’s constitution and advance much-needed reform in Westminster.
If the Bill passes today's Second Reading, it will move on to the Committee Stage, bringing the UK one step closer to ending the hereditary principle in its legislative body. This change is expected to be a critical first step in broader efforts to reform the House of Lords.
Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Paymaster General & Minister for the Constitution and European Union Relations, said:
The Government’s commitment to reform the House of Lords is demonstrated by taking action in the first 100 days of governing. It is indefensible that, in the twenty-first century, there are seats in our legislature allocated by an accident of birth. This is a long-overdue reform and a progressive first step on the road of change.
To maintain trust in our democratic institutions it is important our second chamber reflects modern Britain.
Baroness Smith of Basildon, Leader of the House of Lords, said:
The Government is determined to deliver on its promise to reform the House of Lords. Given the ambitious scale of reform it is right we consult on proposals, taking a phased and pragmatic approach to ensure change is delivered. Photo by UK government, Wikimedia commons.