House of Lords Abolishes 700-Year Hereditary Peer System; 92 Members Depart Parliament

Hereditary peers have departed the House of Lords, concluding a parliamentary tradition spanning nearly a millennium. A new law, effective as the current parliamentary session ended, removes the right of the remaining 92 hereditary members to sit, fulfilling a commitment from the Labour Party's 2024 election manifesto.

Lord Forsyth of Drumlean, the Lord Speaker, acknowledged their service, noting that hereditary peers had contributed to institutions, culture, and public service for centuries. He remarked on their