Learn Live: What is the House of Lords?

Summary

The video introduces the UK Parliament and explains the role of the House of Lords, including a guided tour of its chamber.

Parliament and its two Houses

Parliament makes laws: rules that people in the country must follow. Its work affects everyday life.

Parliament has two Houses:

• House of Commons: Its 650 MPs are elected by voters aged 18 and over.
• House of Lords: Its members are not elected. They are selected for their knowledge and experience in particular fields, which they use to examine and help improve laws.

The two Houses work together on legislation. The House of Lords also questions and scrutinizes the government.

What happens in the House of Lords

Members debate proposed laws, question ministers, and discuss current issues.

The chamber is intended to support careful discussion. Baroness Ruth Hunt describes members as generally courteous, even when they strongly disagree. Hearing different arguments can lead members to change their minds, potentially contributing to better laws and decisions.

Members come from varied fields, including medicine, law, teaching, business, finance, the arts, and sport. The video gives Paralympian Tanni Grey-Thompson and former ballerina Baroness Bull as examples of members with relevant expertise.

Many members serve for life, making membership a significant, long-term commitment. Hunt says members can consider the effects of decisions over decades, not just the immediate future.

Crossbench members sit independently and are not required to vote according to a political party’s instructions.

Key parts of the chamber and how voting works

• Government front bench: Reserved for government spokespeople, who respond to questions and comments from other members.
• Woolsack: The seat used by the Lord Speaker or deputy speakers. They help manage proceedings, announce business, and keep debates moving. Clerks support the work of the House.
• Voting: When a vote is called, bells ring across the parliamentary estate. Members go to corridors to indicate their votes. Clerks count them, and the Lord Speaker announces the result.
• Throne: Used by the monarch during the annual State Opening of Parliament, a formal occasion marking the start of Parliament’s work.
• Public gallery: Visitors can watch proceedings when the House is sitting, except during the bishop’s prayer. Proceedings can also be watched online.

Example affecting young people

An issue discussed in Parliament at the time of the video was a rental bill concerning whether people in rented homes should be allowed to keep pets.

Speakers and sources featured

• Becca: Presenter and guide.
• Diane: Visitor engagement assistant at Parliament.
• Wayne (also referred to as Dwayne in the subtitles): Member of Parliament’s Education team.
• Baroness Ruth Hunt: House of Lords member who guides viewers around the chamber and explains its work.
• Maria: House of Lords staff member who discusses members’ expertise and how they are chosen.

The monarch, Lord Speaker, deputy speakers, and clerks are also discussed, but do not speak in the video.