The Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949

The Parliament Acts of 1911 and 1949 limited the power of the House of Lords to delay legislation. The 1911 Act allowed the Lords to delay most bills for only one session or up to two years, whichever was shorter, unless the House of Commons passed the bill again. The 1949 Act reduced this delay further to one year. These laws ensure that the elected House of Commons has the final say on most legislation, preventing the unelected Lords from blocking laws for extended periods. This strengthened the authority of the elected chamber in the UK parliamentary system.