The House of Lords

1. The House of Lords

2. Introduction • The House of Lords is the second chamber of the British Parliament • Members of the Lords are not elected and consist of: *Hereditary Peers – Title has been inherited *Life Peers – Appointed by the Queen on the advice of the PM. Usually due to distinguished service in politics or society. *Law Lords – Senior Judges *Lords Spiritual – Senior bishops from the Church of England.

3. Introduction • Initially the members of the Lords were drawn from the most senior and influential nobles who were appointed to advise the monarch. • Around two-third of members are affiliated to a political party. • A significant number are crossbench peers i.e. they do not support a political party. • There are currently 726 peers.

4. Powers of the House of Lords • Legislation • Public debate • Scrutinise • Adjudication

5. Reform of House of Lords “The House of the Lords must be reformed” 1997 Labour Party Manifesto The Labour party promised to end “the right of hereditary peers to sit and vote in the House of Lords”

6. The 1999 House of Lords Act • Only 92 hereditary peers were retained until a scheme for deciding the membership of the Lords on permanent basis was decided. • Transitional chamber consists of the 92 hereditary peers, 527 life peers, 26 bishops and 28 law lords.

7. Impact of This Reform • The majority of peers are no longer hereditary peers. • Decline in Conservative support – although they still have the most peers. • Large number of crossbenchers. The Government then appointed a Commission led by Lord Wakeham to look at the issue of further reform of the Lords.

8. The Wakeham Commission The main recommendations were: * A largely appointed House – 450-550 members. Appointed by an independent Appointments Commission. * Members serve for a fixed term of 15 years. • Small number of elected members – elected on a regional basis. • Present powers to be retained.

9. People’s Peers • Fifteen new ‘People’s Peers’ selected by the Appointments Commission. • All establishment figures – from wealthy and privileged backgrounds. • Chairman of Appointments Commission claimed ordinary members of the public were not fit to stand.

10. 2001 White Paper • Removal of 92 hereditary peers from Lords. • Greater representation of women and ethnic minorities. • 120 directly elected members to represent regions. • 120 independent members appointed by the Appointments Commission. • Large numbers of members appointed by political parties.

11. The Future • Reform of the House of Lords is far from complete. • Reluctance to have the Lords completely elected as the House of Commons would then lose its superiority as the elected Chamber. • UK is moving towards a largely appointed Lords – which will probably allow the governing party to have a major say in its membership.

12. The House of Lords In Action Identity Cards • Jan 2006 the Government suffered three defeats in the Lords. • Peers voted to block the scheme until full costs were known and for strict controls on who gets access to personal data. • Government said it would press ahead with the scheme and is likely to overturn the defeats when the Bill returns to the Commons.

13. The House of Lords In Action Terrorism Bill • Introduced after 7th July bomb attacks in London. • Lords voted against government plans to outlaw glorification of terrorism. Due to concerns that it would curb freedom of speech • Home Secretary, Charles Clarke argued that the elected House of Commons voted for this measure and it would be reinstated when the bill returned to the Commons.

14. Sample Question 2002 ‘Parliament has no control over the United Kingdom Government’ Discuss (10 marks) Define Parliament – Commons, Lords, Monarch. Qualify the word no, change to limited. 1-2 sentences at the most

15. Parliament Does Not Have Power • Whip System used to keep party in order – can withdraw whip from rebels, offer promotion to those who are loyal • Question Time can be predictable and is largely irrelevant to voters. • Committees are dominated by the largest party and Chairmen are appointed by the government. • Most governments have majorities than can be controlled. • House of Lords can be over-ruled when necessary. • In reality, the monarch would never refuse to pass laws that have been introduced by a democratically elected government.

16. Parliament Has Power • Defeat the Government in key votes (division) of both Houses. • Question Time – allows PM and Ministers to be questioned on government policy • Committee work allows legislation and policies to be looked at closely. Legislation can be amended and Ministers may be questioned to account for their departments. • MPs have shown they will rebel against their party – give examples. • Lords has no government majority. • Monarch does have the power to refuse the Royal Assent to legislation

17. Final Tips: • Integrate your arguments for and against when dealing with each example – gives a more sophisticated answer. • Look for opportunities to include relevant and up-to-date examples. • If the analysis is within the main section of your answer, a conclusion is not needed. • You could end with a brief one – line sentences e.g. Therefore Parliament has limited control over the UK Government