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The House of Lords could be abolished if Labour wins the next election.
The Lords chamber is centuries old, and replacing it would represent a huge change to the UK’s political system.
What is the House of Lords?
The House of Lords is part of the UK Parliament. Also known as the Upper Chamber, it is independent from the House of Commons – where Members of Parliament (MPs) debate and vote on new laws.
Members of the Lords are called “peers”. Like MPs, they also scrutinise the work of government and recommend changes to proposed legislation.
![The Lords in numbers. [785 The current membership of the House of Lords ] [69 Life peers ] , 91 Hereditary Peers] 29% Proportion of women peers ],[ 71 is the average age (the oldest peer is 97 and the youngest is 36) ],[ 1962 The year the longest-serving Lord joined the House ],](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/E6C9/production/_127918095_296395fd-469e-4031-8309-2613e23939c0-1.png.webp)
Unlike MPs, however, peers are not elected. The majority are appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister.
While many peers have worked in politics – including some former MPs – others are experts in areas such as science or the arts.
Most peers stay in the Lords for life – although some decide to retire.
How many Lords are there?
The Conservatives make up the largest group with 265 peers. There are 173 Labour peers, and 185 Crossbenchers – peers who are not affiliated to a particular party.
Who sits in the House of Lords?
- Appointment: Most peers are appointed by the monarch on the PM’s advice. Nominations are vetted by the House of Lords Appointments Commission, but the PM ultimately decides who to put forward
- Hereditary: These peers inherit their titles from a parent. Most hereditary peers were abolished in 1999, when the number was reduced to 92
- Holding certain roles: Some positions – such as being the Archbishop of York or Canterbury – automatically allow the holder to join the Lords
How much do Lords get paid?
Most Lords are entitled to a £332 daily allowance for each sitting day attended – although they can choose not to claim.
Some receive a salary – like the Lord Speaker and government ministers. Salaried peers cannot claim the daily allowance.
What could replace the House of Lords?
Labour says the PM should not have the power to appoint peers, highlighting recent controversial appointments such as businessman Peter Cruddas.
It could have around 200 members from across the UK. However, the way they would be chosen – and how long they would serve – remains to be decided.
Sir Keir says the new system could be introduced within the first five years of a Labour government.
Labour will set out further details, including a timeframe, closer to the next election.
There are currently 785 members of the House of Lords
What are the problems with replacing the House of Lords?
Former Cabinet Minister Simon Clarke MP has called the plan “a terrible idea”.
“Anyone who has looked at the institutionalised gridlock in US politics can see the utter stupidity it would be to create an elected upper house”.
Abolishing the Lords could also result in a loss of expertise, says Jess Sargeant from the Institute for Government think tank.
“An appointments system can bring in experts – like former doctors and supreme court judges. There is some speculation about whether these sorts of people would be willing to stand in an election.”
If the new chamber’s members considered themselves more representative of the UK than MPs, there is a risk they may undermine the Commons by blocking new laws, adds Ms Sargeant.
What happen in other countries?
- US: The US Senate has 100 elected members who serve six-year terms. A third of the membership is elected every two years
- Canada: The Canadian Senate has 105 members and mandatory retirement age of 75. Like the Lords, its members are appointed on the recommendation of the prime minister
- France: The French Senate has 348 elected members who serve six-year terms. Half are up for election every three years
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