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Hereditary Titles (Female Succession) Bill

23 February 2024

Proposing MP
Harriett Baldwin Con
West Worcestershire
Type
Bill Debate

At a Glance

Issue Summary

Harriett Baldwin is moving a Bill to address constitutional sexism by ending the reservation of seats for men only in the other place. The statement discusses the Hereditary Titles (Female Succession) Bill, which aims to end male primogeniture in peerages and ensure that titles go to the eldest child regardless of sex. Harriett Baldwin is discussing her Hereditary Titles (Female Succession) Bill, which aims to amend succession rules for peerages to ensure equality between men and women. Harriett Baldwin addresses concerns about the Hereditary Titles (Female Succession) Bill and suggests moving forward by giving it a Second Reading.

Action Requested

The speaker proposes continuing the debate on the Hereditary Titles (Female Succession) Bill and advocates for the issue to be addressed until progress is made, recognizing previous attempts by her colleagues.

Key Facts

  • Harriett Baldwin's third attempt to make progress on this issue in the House.
  • An eighth of the seats in the other place are reserved for men only due to constitutional sexism.
  • Philip Davies tried to introduce a similar Bill in March 2019.
  • The Succession to the Crown Act 2013 ended male primogeniture for royal succession.
  • An eighth of seats in the House of Lords are reserved for men through hereditary peerages.
  • There are 210 people registered to stand as hereditary peers, with only one female applicant.
  • The Bill would phase changes gradually when there is already an identified male heir.
  • Clause 4 exempts peerages and titles still held by the Crown from the Bill's provisions.
  • Harriett Baldwin is the 341st woman elected to Parliament.
  • There are currently 650 MPs, but only 523 women have ever been elected since the first election of a female MP in history.
  • Nora Ephron's quote emphasizes breaking rules for equality and making trouble on behalf of women.
  • Harriett Baldwin is addressing concerns about objections to the Hereditary Titles (Female Succession) Bill.
  • The suggestion is made to give the Bill a Second Reading today.
  • The debate was adjourned according to Standing Order No. 11(2).
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