Hereditary peers to lose their seats in the House of Lords

"This has never been about the contribution of individuals but the underlying principle that was agreed by parliament over 25 years ago that no one should sit in our parliament by way of an inherited title. Over a quarter of a century later, hereditary peers remain while meaningful reform has stagnated. We have a duty to find a way forward."

"I would like to thank hereditary peers from all parties and none for their work in the House of Lords over many years. Whatever views people may have of this constitutional change, it is sad to say goodbye to friends, who in many cases have contributed significantly to debate and scrutiny and to our institutional memory."

The House of Lords has accepted the final draft of the House of Lords (hereditary peers) bill, ending its parliamentary passage and enabling it to become law. The government agreed to offer life peerages to some hereditary peers and cross-benchers who would otherwise lose their seats, prompting the Conservatives to withdraw their opposition. Since 1999, up to 92 hereditary peers have held seats in the upper house, but the bill reduces this quota to zero. Hereditary peers without life peerages will lose their right to sit once the current parliamentary session ends in spring. The reform addresses a principle established over 25 years ago that no one should sit in parliament through inherited title.

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