UK Parliament Ends Hereditary Peers in Lords

Britain's Parliament has voted to end the centuries-old practice of hereditary peers serving in the unelected House of Lords, marking the final step in a reform process that began more than two decades ago. The upper chamber approved the Hereditary Peers Bill on Tuesday evening, clearing the way for the remaining 92 aristocrats—dukes, earls, viscounts and others who inherited their seats—to leave permanently when the current session concludes this spring.

The legislation, a key promise from Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government, abolishes the automatic right to sit in the Lords based on birthright. Once King Charles III grants royal assent—a procedural formality—the change will take effect, reducing the hereditary quota to zero. In a compromise to secure passage, approximately 15 Conservative hereditary peers will be allowed to remain by transitioning to life peerages, nominated by their party and vetted by the House of Lords Appointments Commission.

The House of Lords, located in the Palace of Westminster, serves as a revising body that can amend but not block bills from the elected House of Commons. With more than 800 members, it is the world's second-largest...