Hereditary peers leave House of Lords, ending a centuries-old tradition

The formal prorogation of Parliament signaled a significant shift, ending hereditary precedents in the House of Lords and ending a centuries-old tradition.

The official announcement, made on behalf of King Charles in a traditional ceremony in the upper house on Wednesday, brought the current parliamentary session to a close.

This historic event marked the last time that hereditary peers, who inherited their titles through their families, would occupy seats in the Lords.

The majority of peers lost their seats in 1999, but 92 retained the right to sit and vote in parliament.

However, the new House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill has now effectively reduced this number to zero, although many have since been allowed to continue sitting as peers for life.

Ahead of the interim, Lords Speaker Lord Forsyth of Drumlean paid tribute to those who lost their seats on the red benches.

He said: “At the end of this session, noble lords holding office by virtue of hereditary nobility will cease to be members of this House.

“On behalf of the Parliament, I express my gratitude for their outstanding service and offer them our sincere thanks.”

MPs, led by Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, left the House of Commons after Black Rod Ed Davis, the senior official in charge of ceremonial protocol, requested they join the upper house.

The royal speech, read by the Leader of the Lords, Baroness Smith of Basildon, set out the legislation passed during the parliamentary session and other measures taken by the Government.

A five-member Royal Commission has signaled nine new laws have received royal assent as the current parliamentary session draws to a close.

As each Act was read, the clerk said “Le Roy le veult” or “So the King wills it” in Norman French to indicate royal approval.

These were: the National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pension Contributions) Act; Grenfell Tower Memorial (Expenditure) Act; Ministerial Salaries (Amendment) Law; Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Law; Victims and Courts Act; Crime and Policing Act; Children’s Welfare and Schools Act; Pension Plans Law; and the British Empowerment and Community Empowerment Act.

MPs and MPs will return on 13 May for the King’s Speech, which will set the Government’s future legislative agenda.