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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Harriet Sherwood

The last of the hereditary peers in the House of Lords

Duke of Norfolk in military outfit, flanked by senior officers
The Duke of Norfolk (centre) at Horse Guards Parade, central London. His ceremonial role means he is likely to be one of two hereditary peers given a reprieve. Photograph: Guy Bell/Rex/Shutterstock

For centuries in Britain, the country’s noblemen have sat in parliament by virtue of their bloodline – but not for much longer.

The last dukes, earls, viscounts and barons are to be removed from the UK’s unelected upper house, the House of Lords, by the newly elected Labour government – which has declared their presence “outdated and indefensible”.

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