House of Lords

The upper chamber of the Houses of Parliament. Members of the House of Lords (known as 'peers') consist of Lords Spiritual (senior bishops) and Lords Temporal (lay peers). Law Lords (senior judges) also sit as Lords Temporal. There are currently about 700 members of the House of Lords, including 26 Archbishops and Bishops and 92 hereditary peers.

The House spends the majority of its time (about 60%) on legislation. The Lords consider proposals from the EU or from the Commons. They can then reject a bill, accept it, or make amendments. If a bill is amended or rejected, the Lords can send it back to the Commons for re-discussion. If a bill is accepted, it is forwarded to the Queen, who will then sign it and make it law.

The House also has an important judicial role. It acts as the Supreme Court of Appeal for the UK in both criminal and civil cases (except Scottish criminal cases).