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House of Lords Approves Law Ending Remaining Hereditary Seats

The change completes the Blair-era plan to end inherited membership in the upper chamber.

Overview

  • Reports say no hereditary peers will remain by the King's Speech opening of Parliament in the coming weeks.
  • The reform closes the 1999 exception that left 92 hereditary peers in place after most were removed.
  • The government has indicated it may name additional life peers this year, and some departing hereditary members could be offered life peerages according to media reports.
  • Life peers are appointed by the King on the Prime Minister’s recommendation, a route often used for former MPs and political allies.
  • House of Lords President Michael Forsyth publicly thanked the departing hereditary peers for their contributions to debate and scrutiny.