The House of Lords passed the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill on Tuesday, abolishing the remaining seats reserved for hereditary peers and ending a tradition dating back more than 700 years.

The bill removes the right of up to 92 hereditary peers, dukes, earls, viscounts,s and others who inherit their titles, to sit and vote in the upper chamber. These peers will vacate their seats at the end of the current parliamentary session, expected in May, after the bill receives royal assent, a formality expected soon.

Labour's manifesto pledged to eliminate hereditary membership, completing reforms begun in 1999 under Tony Blair's government. That year, the House of Lords Act removed more than 650 hereditary peers but retained 92 as a temporary measure amid opposition. Hereditary peers have held legislative rights since the 14th century, making laws alongside elected officials.

Progress stalled for years due to Conservative resistance, including numerous amendments and extended debates since the bill's introduction in September 2024. The government resolved the impasse with a compromise: offering life peerages to Conservatives and crossbenchers, potentially allowing up to 15 hereditary peers to remain as appointed life peers. In return, some Tory life peers agreed to retire to balance chamber numbers.

Leader of the House Baroness Smith emphasized the principle at stake: "This has never been about the contribution of individuals but the underlying principle that was agreed by Parliament over 25 years ago that no-one should sit in our Parliament by way of an inherited title." Conservative leader in the Lords, Lord True, accepted the mandate despite calling it a "bitter pill for some on my side."

Affected peers expressed mixed regret. The Earl of Devon, whose family served for 900 years, called the move regrettable and criticized the short notice, likening it to inadequate employment protections. He added, "I think this House, Parliament, and the public more widely will miss us." Lord Speaker Lord Forsyth thanked departing peers for their contributions to debate, scrutiny, and institutional memory.

Minister for the Cabinet Office Nick Thomas-Symonds described hereditary peerages as "archaic and undemocratic," aligning the UK with modern democracies—all but Lesotho's senate have eliminated such elements.

The Lords, with around 800 members, will continue functioning, bolstered by new appointments. Ministers plan further reforms, including a retirement age and minimum participation thresholds.