Work of the House of Lords
The House of Lords is the second chamber of the UK Parliament. It is independent from, and complements the work of, the elected House of Commons. The Lords shares the task of making and shaping laws and checking and challenging the work of the government.
Read on for more highlights from the Lords and information on how the House works.
Highlights from the House of Lords
Examples from the House of Lords' work to check and challenge government, and scrutinise legislation.
Minister questioned on Government plans to legislate over the Protocol
The Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland Sub-Committee will hear evidence from
Rt Hon James Cleverly MP, Minister for Europe and North America, on the Government’s proposals to legislate in relation to the Protocol.
23 May 2022
The House of Lords 2021-22: highlights from the session
After more than 1450 hours of business, with over 200 votes on changes to draft laws and members pressing government decisions and actions in more than 600 questions, the House of Lords 2021-22 session has come to an end. Catch up on a packed session in the Lords.
29 April 2022
Final text of Nationality and Borders Bill agreed
Bill becomes an Act of Parliament. Catch up
29 April 2022
Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill completes passage through parliament
Bill becomes an Act of Parliament. Catch up
29 April 2022
House of Lords pauses for recess
As the House of Lords pauses for recess, catch up on recent activity in the UK Parliament’s second chamber as members ask government to think again on topics in several draft laws
08 April 2022
Lords questions government on Ukraine
The House of Lords continues to press the government on its response to the invasion of Ukraine through questions, debates and legislation. Learn more
10 March 2022
House of Lords pauses for recess
Catch up on a packed start to 2022 in the House of Lords, with highlights of business from 5 January - 10 February
11 February 2022
House of Lords Podcast: protecting children and the Union
We speak to Baroness Kidron about her work protecting children online and to Baroness Taylor of Bolton and Lord Dunlop about strengthening the Union.
28 January 2022
2021 in the House of Lords
As the House of Lords pauses for recess until January, we look back at an action-packed year in the UK Parliament’s second chamber.
17 December 2021
House of Lords Podcast: a healthier nation, and government by 'diktat'
What is needed to make England a healthier nation? and why are two committees concerned about government use of secondary legislation? Find out in this month's House of Lords Podcast.
16 December 2021
Latest from the Lords
Read latest news from the House of Lords
What's on in the Lords 6-9 June
Discover what questions, legislation and debates are coming up in the House of Lords from 6-9 June.
27 May 2022
Lords begins line by line examination of Schools Bill
Members consider ministers' powers, financial transparency and a review of home education policy. Find out more
27 May 2022
Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Bill in the Lords
Members of the Lords will discuss the main principles and purpose of the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Bill
26 May 2022
What the Lords does
The House of Lords is made up of around 800 members from a variety of professions and walks of life
Making laws: House of Lords stages
Bills start in either the House of Lords or House of Commons. They go through set stages of approval in both Houses before they become an Act of Parliament
Checking and challenging government
The House of Lords plays an important role in checking and challenging the decisions and actions of the government through questions and debates
Lords select committees
The House of Lords committees investigate public policy, proposed laws and government activity
Lords Hansard
A report of all House of Lords business
The House of Lords Library
The House of Lords Library provides impartial research and information services to Members of the House of Lords, their staff and the staff of the House.