What is a peer?
A peer is a member of the peerage, and in politics usually means a member of the House of Lords. Most peers today are life peers, appointed by the King on the advice of the Prime Minister, and their titles cannot be passed on. They review and amend laws but are not elected.
There are three main types of member in the House of Lords. Life peers are appointed for life under the Life Peerages Act 1958. There are 26 Church of England bishops, known as the Lords Spiritual. Hereditary peers, whose titles pass down families, were reduced to 92 seats in 1999. The House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Act 2026 removed those remaining seats from 29 April 2026.
Peers are nominated by party leaders, the Prime Minister and the independent House of Lords Appointments Commission. The Commission also selects non-party crossbench peers. Many are former politicians, judges, scientists, business leaders or public servants. Peers can claim a daily allowance for attending but do not receive a salary. Peers keep their title for life, even if they retire from the House.
The Lords scrutinises bills, proposes amendments and questions ministers. It can delay most bills but cannot block the will of the elected Commons for long, under the Parliament Acts. It is one of the largest legislative chambers in the world. Reform remains debated, with proposals ranging from a retirement age to a fully elected second chamber. Retirement is now common.
Much of the left wants the House of Lords replaced by an elected chamber, and supported removing hereditary peers.
Many on the right defend an appointed Lords for its expertise, though some criticise its size and the use of patronage.
Britain is split. Now you decide.
In Population Decides you can reform or abolish the House of Lords in Big Debates and deal with the political fallout.
Play Population Decides freeCommon questions
Are peers elected?
No. Peers are appointed, except bishops who sit by office.
Are there still hereditary peers in the Lords?
No. The remaining hereditary seats were removed from 29 April 2026.
Do peers get paid?
They receive a daily attendance allowance rather than a salary.
How are most members of the House of Lords chosen?
Appointed as life peers. Most members are life peers appointed for their experience or by party leaders.
Roughly how many members does the House of Lords have?
About 800. It has around 800 members, one of the largest legislatures in the world.