The House of Lords is one of the largest and longest-standing parliamentary chambers in the world. For some, an unelected chamber at the heart of the British governing apparatus is a relic of a bygone era, incompatible with the demands of a modern democracy. For others, it represents a vital check on the party-political House of Commons, drawing on its members’ deep experience in public and professional life in revising legislation. Many nevertheless agree that the House of Lords is in need of some reform. But where should that reform begin? Â
This research paper argues that any effort to reform the House of Lords must start by articulating the chamber’s purpose – without this, reform efforts risk undermining what makes the House of Lords successful today.
Read the full report here: A Functional Analysis of UK House of Lords Reform
