UK Parliament Removes Hereditary Lords

The United Kingdom's Parliament voted on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, to remove the remaining hereditary aristocrats from the House of Lords, ending a 700-year tradition. This legislative action, passed by the House of Commons and subsequently approved by the House of Lords, eliminates the inherited seats of 92 dukes, earls, and viscounts from the upper chamber. Government minister Nick Thomas-Symonds stated the change addresses an "archaic and undemocratic principle," aiming for a parliamentary system based on merit rather than inherited titles.

The House of Lords, which scrutinizes legislation from the House of Commons, currently has over 800 members, making it the world's second-largest legislative chamber. Historically, its membership was primarily hereditary noblemen. In 1999, the Labour government under Prime Minister Tony Blair removed most hereditary peers, but 92 were permitted to remain temporarily. The current Labour government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, introduced the legislation to complete this reform.

The bill will become law upon receiving royal assent from King Charles III, a formality. The hereditary peers will depart at the end of the current parliamentary session in spring 2026. This reform concludes a process initiated 25 years prior, with the Labour party committed to eventually replacing the House of Lords with a more representative second chamber.