HofL parliamentary function

• intro define?

  the house of lords is the second chamber in parliament and is unelected.
• Intro - context?

  Due to reform of the House of Lords there is debate if the HofL possess enough power to effectively perform it's parliamentary function, if it still has too much or too little.
• Intro - answer?

  This essay will argue that the HofL fulfills it's parliamentary function by looking at their role in legislation, scrutiny and the Salisbury Convention.
• P1 weak point ?

  The weaker argument would argue that since the HofL cannot claim democratic legitimacy the gov't can ignore it amendments to legislation. Alothough, they can delay it (under 1911 and 1949 Act of Parliament) for a year, it possesses no veto power. Therefore, has no ability to prevent action of an arbitrary government.
• P1 stronger?

  However, the stronger argument would recognis the expertise of peers, which means that the ammendments they make are taken seriously and offer impovement. For example, Baronness Black of Strome (appointed in 2021) brings extensive experience as an anatomist and forensic anthropologist to the HofL.
• P1 stronger explanation?

  This means that during debates they often raise important issues including proposed ammendments to the Rwanda Bill.
• P1 evaluation?

  Overall, the HofL fulfills it's role in their contribution to legislation, since, the remonal of all but 92 hereditary peers and the HofL Appointment Commisions it has gained experience and expertise. w
• P2 weaker point?

  The weaker argument would argue that the HofL doesn't fulfill its parliamentary function because it lacks legislative powers. For instance, the HofL cannot vote down any financial bills, including the budget, used 3 times under Blair. Preventing scrutiny on legislation that impacts the public to a large extent, often determining the relative decline or incline of the British economy and UK as a whole.
• P2 stronger?


  However, the stronger argument would argue that the Hof lords offers independent scrutiny. Especially, because the HofC is controlled by the government, opposition have little opportunity to present legislation. Therefore, HofL us crucial in making amendments such as the 2018 EU withdrawal bill, that made sure the UK would legally be allowed to participate in EU agencies if they choose to.
• P2 evaluation?

  Even when the govt has a large majority the HofL provides legislative scrutiny; not being up for promotion (like backbench MPs) or pressured by party whips, therefore, in some ways can remain more imparial than HofC, especially crossbench peers.
• P3 weaker?

  The weaker argument would argue that due to the Salisbury Convention it prevents the house of lords from performing it parliamentary function. As it prevents them from voting down legislation apart of the parties manifesto. Limiting their ability to amend bills and in turn protect civil liberties, if a bill encroaches on them.
• P3 strong?

  However, the stronger argument would recognise that the HofL often take a strong stance towards Human rights. especially, on bills that have public backlash and media attention. inclusing opposition to the Rwanda Bill. using its parliamentary function to protect human rights.
• P3 evaluation?

  Overall, the HofL, whilst it's powers are limited, it has the ability to prevent gov't infringing on civil liberties, doing so by providing strong opposition and using their expertise to make amendments to bills, using parliamentary ping-pong.