A Bill to enable the succession of female heirs to hereditary peerages, and for connected purposes.
House of Lords
30 April 2013
The bill would allow women to inherit hereditary peerages, ending the rule that many titles pass only to male descendants. It would enable female heirs to succeed when there is no surviving male heir and make related changes to implement this. In short, it adjusts who can inherit hereditary titles and the legal framework around it.
The bill is at its 2nd reading in the House of Lords. If it progresses, it would move to Committee Stage and later stages, with potential passage to the House of Commons.
Generated 21 February 2026
First reading took place on 11 June 2012. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords.
Second reading - the general debate on all aspects of the Bill - is yet to be scheduled.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
