The historic change that’s ended centuries of tradition in the House of Lords

WorldPolitics
30 Apr 2026 • 5:28 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

The historic change that’s ended centuries of tradition in the House of Lords

  • Parliament has been formally prorogued, signifying the end of hereditary peers in the House of Lords, concluding a tradition spanning hundreds of years.
  • The formal announcement, delivered on behalf of King Charles, brought the current parliamentary session to a close.
  • The new House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill has effectively reduced the number of hereditary peers to zero, though some have since been permitted to sit as life peers.
  • Lords Speaker Lord Forsyth of Drumlean paid tribute to the departing peers for their distinguished service to the House.
  • During the prorogation ceremony, a royal address outlined legislation passed, and nine new laws received royal assent, with MPs and peers scheduled to return on 13 May for the King's Speech.

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