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Overview

This bill changes the rules of succession for hereditary peerages in the UK, ensuring that daughters and their descendants inherit peerages equally with sons, effectively ending male primogeniture in this context. It also addresses past instances of peerages becoming extinct due to the previous rules, allowing for their reinstatement in certain cases.

Description

The bill introduces a "universal rule of succession" for hereditary peerages. This means that:

• Gender equality: Women can now inherit peerages equally with men.
• Primogeniture abolished: The oldest child, regardless of gender, inherits the peerage.
• Sibling precedence: Within the same generation (siblings), males will still have precedence over females.
• Extinct peerages: Peerages that became extinct after 6 February 1952 may be revived if a claim is made before one year after the bill becomes law.
• Peerages in abeyance: Peerages currently in abeyance (where there are multiple claimants) will be allocated based on the new rule of succession.
• Exceptions: The succession to the Crown, other titles held by the monarch, and previous successions are unaffected.

Government Spending

The bill is unlikely to have a significant impact on government spending. It primarily involves changes to the legal framework governing succession to peerages, without a significant budget change. No figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Women and their descendants: Gain the right to inherit peerages, potentially impacting family titles and associated privileges.
• Claimants to extinct peerages: Those meeting the specified criteria can petition to have extinct titles restored.
• House of Lords: The composition of the House of Lords could change over time as a result of the updated succession rules.
• Individuals and families with hereditary peerages: Their family lineage and succession plans may be affected.