Britain Ends 700 Years of Hereditary Lords in Parliament
Centuries of British political tradition will conclude within weeks as Parliament votes to remove hereditary aristocrats from the House of Lords. Following objections being dropped by members of the upper chamber, legislation passed by the House of Commons will oust dozens of hereditary peers. This change marks an end to an “archaic and undemocratic principle,” according to government minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, with Parliament instead aiming to recognize talent and merit. While a compromise will allow an undisclosed number of hereditary members to remain as life peers, the bill’s passage signifies a significant shift in the composition of the upper chamber, completing a process initiated a quarter-century ago.
John Q. Hosedrinker