The reform of the House of Lords has been a topic of political agendas over the last 100 years.
The aim was to transform the House of Lords from a hereditary chamber to a more subordinate and modernized entity, in alignment with democratic principles.
Parliament Acts
Previously mentioned in other discussions, the Parliament Acts aimed at reshaping the House of Lords' role.
The 1911 Act's preamble suggested making the House of Lords subordinate to the House of Commons.
House of Lords Act 1999
Passed by the Labour government under Tony Blair.
Reduced hereditary peers in the chamber to 92.
Established an Appointments Commission to recommend life peers to the Prime Minister.
Ensured there will always be 92 hereditary peers, with a system to fill vacancies.
Royal Commission
Established by Labour governments to evaluate the House of Lords reform.
Chaired by Lord Wakeham, published "A House for the Future" in January 2000.
Recommendations included:
A reformed chamber to act as a constitutional safeguard.
Maintain authority without challenging the House of Commons.
Broad representation of British society.
Parliamentary Debates
Discussions on partly elected or appointed second chambers.
House of Commons favored fully elected or mixed chamber reforms.
House of Lords preferred a fully appointed chamber.
A bill for a mainly elected chamber passed second reading (462 to 124) but was dropped due to procedural issues.
Future of Reform
While significant reforms have been made, controversies and areas needing further reform remain.
The House of Lords Act and Royal Commission have laid groundwork for changes.
Potential for more reforms, especially post-Brexit.
Conclusion
The House of Lords remains a subject of reform discussions, with potential for further transformation to align with democratic principles and modern representation.