Member

This amendment simply highlights the complexity of the current position and the need for clarification. It recognises that in the absence of hereditary Peers in your Lordships’ House, the House would not be the appropriate body to determine peerage claims. What is needed is a clear, streamlined and comprehensive system to determine those claims, and this amendment would place the resolution of peerage claims in accordance with such rules as His Majesty may by Order in Council prescribe. It is in line with the proposals originally drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for the House of Lords Reform Bill in 2012. Tonight, it is a classic, non-controversial amendment. It reflects the importance of this House as it is currently constructed, which scrutinises the law and seeks improvement, and would resolve this obvious discrepancy. I hope it will find favour with the Government.