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Today in History: House of Lords Act removes hereditary peers

11/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On 11 November 1999, the House of Lords Act received royal assent, significantly reforming the British House of Lords. The Act eliminated the automatic right of hereditary peers to sit in the chamber, retaining only 92 as a compromise. This marked a pivotal shift in the composition and function of the UK's upper parliamentary house.

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Story summary

On 11 November 1999, the House of Lords Act received royal assent, significantly reforming the British House of Lords. The Act eliminated the automatic right of hereditary peers to sit in the chamber, retaining only 92 as a compromise. This marked a pivotal shift in the composition and function of the UK's upper parliamentary house.