UK Government Proposes Removal of Hereditary Peers

The UK government has introduced legislation to remove the final 92 hereditary peers from the House of Lords, completing a reform process initiated in 1999 that aimed to eliminate hereditary rights in law-making. Minister for the Constitution Nick Thomas-Symonds described this move as 'a landmark reform' that aligns with modern democratic values, stating that birth should not determine legislative power. The proposed bill is part of Labour's manifesto commitment and is expected to lead to a retirement age of 80 for Lords members. Critics, particularly from the Conservative party, have characterized the reforms as political vandalism. The legislation will need to pass through both Houses before receiving Royal Assent, with changes likely to take effect by the summer of next year. The push for reform highlights a long-standing call for modernization of the upper chamber and aims to reduce its size and hereditary influence.