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Succession to Peerages Bill [HL]

A Bill to amend the law regarding succession to peerages and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Lords

Last Updated

2 May 2017

In Plain English

AI-generated

This bill would change the rules for how hereditary peerages (noble titles) are passed down when the current holder dies. It seeks to modernise the law and clarify the process for determining who inherits a title. It also includes related provisions to support the overall reform of the peerage system.

Key Points

Amends the law on succession to hereditary peerages.
Sets out new rules or clarifications about who can inherit a title.
Addresses what happens if there is no eligible heir or if a line becomes extinct.
Includes connected provisions relating to reforms of the peerage system.
Impact on the administration and recording of titles.

Progress

The bill is currently at the 2nd Reading in the House of Lords. If it progresses, it will move to Committee stage for detailed examination, then to Report and Third Reading in the Lords, before moving to the House of Commons for consideration.

Who is affected?

Current holders of hereditary peerages and their familiesPeople who might inherit hereditary titles in the future and their familiesThe Crown and bodies that administer peerages (e.g., Clerk of the Parliaments, College of Arms)Lawyers, genealogists and advisers specialising in peerage successionOrganisations and researchers with an interest in the peerage system (heraldic and archival groups)

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Succession to Peerages

1 Jan 1970

First reading took place on 7 June. 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.

The 2016-2017 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.

Documents (1)

HL Bill 33 (as introduced)

BillLords

7 Jun 2016

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Succession to Peerages Bill [HL] | TrackPolitics