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What is the Labour case for the House of Lords?

When: Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 6:15 PM - 7:30 PM
Where: Portcullis House, Westminster

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A panel of experts discuss the value of the unelected House of Lords from a Labour Party perspective.

Since the party’s creation, Labour politicians and intellectuals have debated the role of Britain’s unelected upper chamber. Although Labour has been responsible for reforms to the House of Lords, notably the Parliament Act 1949 and the House of Lords Act 1999, Labour governments have never legislated to abolish it or turn it into an elected body.

Although the case for an elected Lords has been made many times, the positive case for the House of Lords as it is currently constituted is much less rarely articulated. This event brings together a panel of experts who discuss the value of the unelected House of Lords from a Labour Party perspective.

The event is open to the public, but registration is essential and space is limited. Ticketholders will be sent a confirmation of their attendance nearer to the event.

Confirmed speakers:

  • Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town, former General Secretary of the Fabian Society and Shadow Deputy Leader of the House of Lords
  • Dr Gavin Hyman, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Politics, Philosophy, and Religion at Lancaster University. Co-author of Keeping the Red Flag Flying: The Labour Party in Opposition since 1922.
  • Baroness Hayman, first Lord Speaker of the House of Lords

Co-chairs of the event:

  • Dr Richard Johnson (Queen Mary, University of London)
  • Dr Gautam Kambhampati (Labour for the Constitution)
  • Gabriel Osborne (Labour for the Constitution)

Parliamentary host: Neil Coyle MP

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