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Abstract

This article proposes a possible reform of the House of Lords, namely to its composition and functions. By examining previous reform attempts as well as the current criticisms and issues facing the United Kingdom’s upper chamber, the article contends that the House of Lords is necessary due to the benefits of a bicameral legislature that it offers to the United Kingdom. The article provides arguments in favour of the implementation of direct elections and addresses criticisms of this scheme. Subsequently, this article argues in favour of a system of party-list proportional representation; it reviews other electoral systems, examines the merits of party-list proportional representation and offers successful examples of its current implementation by other states. Finally, the article offers a prediction of the overall effects on the relationship between the House of Commons and the House of Lords if direct elections are implemented.