What is the House of Lords?

There are over 720 members of the House of Lords. They are an unelected group of people who have either inherited their seats or have been given them by the Government.

Currently there are four types of Lords:

Life peers – who make up the majority of the membership. They are appointed by the monarch on the advice of the PM, who will in turn take advice from others. Life peers are often appointed for services to the country and will have expertise in many different fields. They are appointed for the duration of their life-time and their title ceases on death. Law Lords – up to 12 Lords of Appeal in Ordinary are appointed to hear appeals from the lower courts. Bishops – the 26 most senior archbishops and bishops of the Church of England Hereditary peers – those Members who have inherited their titles from their family. Until the House of Lords Act 1999 all had the right to sit and vote in the Lords. This was reduced to 92 hereditary peers who were able to remain until the next stage of reform was implemented. The House plays a key role in revising legislation sent from the Commons. It also initiates legislation, and so shares the burden of the legislative load. Another important function is to act as a check on government by examing its activities. The House does this by asking questions, debating policy and, through its select committees, taking evidence from ministers and others.

The House also has an important judicial role as the highest Court of Appeal in the land. interests.

This second chamber (the House of Lords) is not as powerful as the House of Commons. It can suggest changes in laws, but is restricted to laws that have nothing to do with the finances of the country (for example, it cannot suggest any changes to the Budget, the annual statement of the Government's financial plans). The House of Lords cannot reject laws that the House of Commons wants to pass, though it can amend them or put them off. Even then, the Commons can reject these amendments.