The K-Zone: House of Lords

The House of Lords has a vestigial role in legislation in the UK; it is now completely subordinate to the HouseOfCommons. Traditionally the Lords has had a strong hereditary component, with the remainder being ecclesiastical, judicial, and government apointees. Despite strong assertions to the contrary from the Lords themselves, most people would agree that the Lords are less representative of the population than the directly-elected Commons. However, it is only in the last few years that the powers of hereditary peers have been curtailed, in reform measures promulgated by the Labour Government led by Mr Blair (see HouseOfLordsReform).

The judicial function of the House of Lords is entirely separate from its role in government (see: CourtSystemOfEngland), and remains in effect.

PublicLaw