Labour Faces Resistance Over Plan to Abolish Hereditary Peers in House of Lords

The proposed legislation, part of Labour's scaled-back Lords reform agenda, has drawn criticism from Conservatives and crossbenchers as it begins detailed scrutiny in the upper chamber.

• Labour's Hereditary Peers Bill aims to remove the remaining 92 hereditary peers from the House of Lords, fulfilling a manifesto promise made during the 2024 election.
• The legislation has faced significant opposition from Conservative peers, who argue it betrays a 1998 agreement to retain hereditary peers until broader Lords reform is achieved.
• Critics claim the move is a partisan effort to consolidate power, with Labour simultaneously appointing dozens of life peers, including party allies and former staffers, to the chamber.
• Labour's broader Lords reform agenda, including plans for an elected second chamber and participation requirements, has been delayed indefinitely due to practical and political challenges.
• The bill's passage is expected despite opposition, with Labour holding a large majority in the House of Commons, but concerns persist about the long-term implications for parliamentary independence and representation.

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