132: The House of Lords in 2005: A more Representative and Assertive Chamber by Meg Russell and Maria Sciara (February 2006)

22pp.

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This briefing looks at the position of the House of Lords in the calendar year 2005, and suggests that the chamber is becoming more confident and assertive, despite its unelected basis - which may change the nature not only of parliament, but of British politics as a whole. Changes in membership of the chamber in 2005 saw Labour become the largest party for the first time, whilst in May the government was returned to office on the smallest ever share of the vote in a British election. Consequently the Liberal Democrats, in particular, started to assert the right of the Lords to stand up to the House of Commons - even on measures in the government's manifesto. The year saw the biggest argument between Commons and Lords since the start of the 20th century, the biggest government defeats since 1997 and some significant rebellions amongst Labour peers. As well as the 'Salisbury convention' potentially breaking down, there was also pressure on the Lords' convention not to block secondary legislation. The government's defeat in the Commons on the Terrorism Bill in November could be seen as taking place 'in the shadow' of potential Lords defeat. It is not possible to draw firm conclusions on the basis of one year alone, but some interesting trends can be detected. These include the greater influence of the Liberal Democrats, through their pivotal position in the Lords, and the ability of Lords and Commons to act together against the executive. Both of these may have far reaching implications. The briefing also includes appendices listing all government defeats in the Lords in 2005, and all new appointments, deaths and retirements.

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This page last modified 11 February, 2009 by v.spence@ucl.ac.uk

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