The House of Lords Act 1999

The House of Lords Act 1999 significantly reduced the number of hereditary peers in the UK's House of Lords, the country’s upper parliamentary chamber. Before the act, many members inherited their seats, often passing them down through families. The legislation removed most hereditary peers, allowing only 92 to remain temporarily, elected by their peers, until further reforms. This aimed to make the House more representative and merit-based. It also increased the role of appointed and crossbench members, shifting towards a more modern and diverse chamber, while maintaining some traditional elements for continuity.