This Library Note looks at the role of Ministers in the House of Lords in the context of current proposals for reform of the House.
House of Lords: Ministers (472KB PDF)
This Note examines the role of Ministers in the House of Lords, including recent periods when departmental Secretaries sat in the upper House, and associated issues of accountability. It then considers the prospective future role of Ministers in the House in the context of the Draft Bill on the Reform of the House of Lords, including potential issues raised by the proposed ongoing presence of Ministers in a principally elected House and their method of appointment. Finally, the Note summarises the recent recommendations on the issue of Ministers in a reformed second chamber by the Joint Committee on the Draft House of Lords Reform Bill.
House of Lords: Ministers (472KB PDF)
In January 2026, the government announced a new scheme to support urgent repairs and essential improvements to listed places of worship. Called the ‘Places of worship renewal fund for England’, it replaced the ‘Listed places of worship grant scheme’ which had run since 2001. This briefing provides an overview of both schemes, the government’s reasoning for the change and the reaction of stakeholders.
This page provides interactive data on the current membership of the House of Lords.
Myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as ME or chronic fatigue syndrome, is a long-term health condition that is estimated to affect over 400,000 people in the UK. It is a fluctuating condition with symptoms including fatigue, sleep problems and brain fog. In 2025 the government published its final delivery plan on ME, which aimed to improve care and support for those with the condition.
