The Peerage Act 1963

The Peerage Act 1963 is a UK law that allows certain hereditary peers—those who inherit noble titles—to renounce their titles if they wish. It also permits some peers, especially life peers, to sit in the House of Lords, the UK's upper parliamentary chamber. Notably, it lets hereditary peers who are also members of the House of Lords choose to leave their seats, enhancing flexibility and democratic representation. This law marked a significant step toward reforming the traditional aristocratic rights in Parliament, fostering modernization and opening the Commons and Lords to a broader range of people.