Commons Sense

House of Commons · Bill Debate

Hereditary Peerages (Female Succession) Bill - Second Reading of the entire bill

23 February 2024 · 5 other contributors

Opened by Harriett Baldwin Con West Worcestershire

Parliamentary Procedure

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 peerages (female succession) bill - second reading of the entire bill in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Hereditary Peerages (Female Succession) Bill seeks to amend succession rules for hereditary peerages to ensure equality regardless of sex.
  • The bill targets peerages specifically, excluding baronetcies and other titles from its scope.
  • Baldwin argues that the current system of reserved seats for hereditary peers is outdated and perpetuates inequality.

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

Moves for the Second Reading of a bill that seeks to end the constitutional sexism in the UK by ensuring succession to hereditary peerages does not depend on sex. The Bill aims to phase in changes gradually, focusing specifically on peerages and excluding baronetcies and other titles. Baldwin argues that this anomaly of reserved seats perpetuates inequality and is no longer acceptable in 2024.

Other contributors (5)
  • Philip Davies Con Shipley

    Commends Harriett Baldwin for her persistence on ending unacceptable discrimination. Argues that opposition to the Bill is based purely on self-interest and sexism, not logical reasons.

  • Kim Leadbeater Lab Spen Valley

    Puts it on record her support for Harriett Baldwin's efforts to address an important issue of gender equality. Expresses disappointment that such arguments are still necessary in 2024.

  • Katherine Fletcher

    References Harriett Baldwin's speech on the context of female representation in Parliament, noting that there are still not enough women to equal male representation.

  • Jonathan Lord Con Woking

    Congratulates Harriett Baldwin for introducing the Bill and expresses a willingness to facilitate a discussion between Baldwin and Lord Trefgarne, who opposes the proposal.

  • Chris Clarkson Con Heywood and Middleton

    Clarkson supports the bill, emphasising that treating women differently from men is unjustifiable. He mentions his support for gender equality in the royal family's succession laws and highlights the importance of not discriminating against women in any context, including political representation.

▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy