Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Hereditary Titles (Female Succession)

20 April 2022 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Harriett Baldwin Con West Worcestershire

Women & Equalities

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Harriett Baldwin raised concerns about hereditary titles (female succession) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Proposed a Bill to end male primogeniture for hereditary peerages in the House of Lords
  • Highlighted the Succession to the Crown Act of 2013 changed royal succession but did not address hereditary peerages
  • Cited that an eighth of seats in the House of Lords are reserved for men only due to hereditary titles, describing it as sex discrimination

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Harriett Baldwin Con West Worcestershire

Proposed a Bill to end male primogeniture for hereditary peerages, noting the Succession to the Crown Act of 2013 that changed succession rules but left other issues unaddressed. She highlighted that an eighth of seats in the House of Lords are reserved for men only due to hereditary titles, citing this as unacceptable sex discrimination with real-world consequences such as unequal land ownership and business inheritance. The Bill would apply to 803 hereditary peers and ensure daughters have equal rights to inherit titles.

Other contributors (1)
  • Harriett Baldwin Con West Worcestershire

    Called for the end of male primogeniture in the House of Lords, citing the Succession to the Crown Act that changed rules for royal succession but left other issues unaddressed. She mentioned that 13% of UK land is owned by women and highlighted the need for equality across society.

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