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House of Lords: Maiden and Valedictory Speeches, 2015-2017

The first speech made by a Member of the House of Lords is known as a maiden speech. This Library briefing includes the full text of a selection of recent maiden speeches, made by a cross-section of Members from different parties and affiliations, to illustrate the range of styles and subjects covered by new Members in their first contribution to the proceedings of the House of Lords. It also includes a list of all Members’ maiden speeches made in the House of Lords during the course of the last parliament.

The House of Lords Reform Act 2014 enabled Members to retire from the House of Lords. It was agreed that Members should be given the opportunity to make a valedictory speech to mark their retirement. During the 2015-2017 parliament nine such speeches were made and the full text of three are included in the briefing as examples.