The House of Lords

Question 1

the 3 types of peer in the HoL

Answer 1

-life peer
-hereditary peer
-lords spiritual (26 bishops and archbishops)

Question 2

how many peers are there

Answer 2

829

Question 3

examples of the lords in a position of high power

Answer 3

• 2018 may gov got defeated 14 times on EU withdrawal bill
• 2016 - Lord Dubs’ Amendment of the child refugee admission from Europe that was backed by the lords
• lords forcing a delay in fox hunting act from 2003 to 2004.
• due to much of their legitimacy being increase, the lords have become more inclined to challenge the government.
• the lords hold people of high expertise e.g. Lord Walton- ex president of the BMA, Lord Logan-Howe- ex police chief

Question 4

areas where the lords arent that effective

Answer 4

• lords forcing a delay in fox hunting act from 2003 to 2004. The Lords didn’t agree with any of it but the speaker of the HoC eventually invoked the parliament acts so they couldn’t veto it.
• the commons takes the lead in direct government scrutiny with the liason committee, PMQs and the departemntal select committees.

Question 5

Strengths of the House of Lords

Answer 5

Strengths
• Expertise: Many peers are former judges, doctors, diplomats, etc.
• Thorough scrutiny: More time and less party pressure than in the Commons.
• Independence: Many crossbenchers (non-partisan peers) = more neutral debates.

Question 6

Criticisms of the House of Lords

Answer 6

Criticisms
• Undemocratic: Not elected by the public.
• Patronage: PMs can appoint allies, leading to accusations of cronyism.

Question 7

2 Examples of life peers

Answer 7

Lord Sugar (Alan Sugar)
• Relevance: Successful entrepreneur and TV personality (The Apprentice).
• Why he’s in the Lords: Made a life peer by Labour in 2009 for his business background and support of enterprise.
• Impact: Offers insights on business, innovation, and entrepreneurship in economic debates.

Baroness Hale of Richmond
• Relevance: Former President of the UK Supreme Court.
• Why she’s in the Lords: Elevated for her contributions to law and justice.
• Impact: Brings legal expertise to scrutiny of legislation, especially human rights and constitutional law.