house of lords

Question 1

the house of lords act 1999

Answer 1

removed all but 92 hereditary peers
became mainly appointed chamber, with peers appointed based on merit as opposed to by birth

Question 2

an unelected house of lords means that experts can be appointed.
For example…

Answer 2

Lord Norton–a political professor and constitutional expert

Question 3

people who can represent underrepresented groups in society can be appointed to the house of lords
for example…

Answer 3

Lord Bird (ex-homeless man and founder of the Big issue) represents homeless people, a group who often go unrepresented.

Question 4

why is more reform needed in the house of lords?
4 points

Answer 4

-There are still 92 hereditary peers
-there are 26 bishops but no representation for other religions
-party leaders still make political appointments to the HOL
-HOL remains unelected despite having influence over lawmaking and being able to hold the gov to account

Question 5

what did the 2017 burns report call for?

Answer 5

a reduction in the size of the HOL and for term limits of members because it is very costly

Question 6

how many peers are in the house of lords

Answer 6

over 800, making it the second largest chamber in the world