Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Lord Mawson (Crossbench) on Wednesday, 5 March 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 March 2025. It was answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 March 2025 on behalf of the Cabinet Office.

Hereditary Peers

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the number and percentage of hereditary Peers in the House of Lords with experience of running and growing a business, and how this compares with the rest of the House; what assessment they have made of the impact of the removal of hereditary Peers from the House of Lords on its scrutiny of legislation and its role in holding the Government to account; and what steps they are taking to ensure that relevant business experience is maintained in the House.

Answer

The Government recognises and values the contributions hereditary peers have made to the House of Lords.

The House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill delivers the Government’s manifesto commitment to remove the right of hereditary peers to sit and vote in the House of Lords, completing the work of the House of Lords Act 1999. In the 21st century there should not be places reserved in the legislature for people born into certain families.

The Government is supportive of the inclusion of individuals from all backgrounds in the House of Lords and believes the second chamber is enriched by members who bring diverse experience and expertise. This includes members with business experience.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL5515
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Business House of Lords Hereditary peers Reform
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk