A historic debate in the UK has come to a close: the reform of the House of Lords

Translated by Annachiara Laino

Within the institutional landscape of the United Kingdom, the House of Lords has for centuries been one of the most distinctive and controversial elements of the British political system. Not directly elected by the citizens and composed largely of appointed members, it plays a fundamental role in the legislative process, but is also the subject of an increasingly heated debate over the need for profound reform.

A one-of-a-kind institution

The House of Lords is the upper house of the British Parliament, alongside the House of Commons. Unlike the latter, its members (so-called peers) are not elected, but appointed for life by the sovereign upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister or independent commissions. Added to these are a limited number of bishops of the Church of England and, until recently, some hereditary members.

Over the years, the role of the House of Lords has evolved: from a body dominated by England's hereditary aristocracy to an assembly composed primarily of experts, academics, and prominent figures from civil society. However, its unelected nature continues to raise significant questions about its democratic legitimacy.

The reasons for the reform

In recent decades, numerous governments and committees have recognized the need to reform the House of Lords. The main critical issues, in particular, concern the lack of democratic legitimacy, since members are not elected; the excessive size of the assembly, with over 800 members, making it one of the largest legislative chambers in the world. Further issues concern the appointment system, often accused of being influenced by political logic and fostering clientelism, and the residual presence of hereditary members, considered anachronistic in a modern democracy.

The reform proposals

Numerous proposals have been put forward over time, varying in scope and radicality. Among the main options discussed over the years are the idea of ​​a fully elective chamber, modeled on other bicameral parliamentary systems, which would ensure greater democratic legitimacy; a mixed system, with some members elected and some appointed for specific responsibilities; a reduction in the number of members, to improve efficiency and contain costs; the abolition of hereditary members; and a review of the role of bishops, to align the institution with the principles of secularism and equality.

Some bills also included a redefinition of the powers of the House of Lords, clarifying its role in relation to the House of Commons, especially in matters of legislative review.

The political difficulties

Despite widespread consensus on the need for change, reform of the House of Lords has always proven extremely complex to implement for a variety of reasons.

First, there are profound disagreements among political parties over which model to adopt: while some support direct elections, others fear that this could create a conflict of legitimacy with the House of Commons. Furthermore, reform often requires large parliamentary majorities and strong political consensus, which are difficult to achieve in a polarized environment.

There is also some internal resistance within the institution itself: many members of the House of Lords defend the value of the experience and technical expertise that characterizes the current composition, arguing that it allows for a more in-depth and less politicized examination of laws.

Future prospects

In recent years, the issue of reform has returned to the centre of British political debate, also in light of the broader transformations affecting the United Kingdom, including Brexit and internal territorial tensions.

A crucial step occurred recently, on the night of March 10, 2026, when the British Parliament definitively approved a law to permanently eliminate the 92 hereditary members of the House of Lords, ending a practice that had existed for over 700 years. The government led by Keir Starmer thus succeeded in eliminating a centuries-old right, having faced a crucial choice: maintain a historic institution, gradually adapting it to contemporary needs, or embark on a path aimed at strengthening parliamentary democracy.

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