The House of Lords [a] is the upper house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. [5] Like the lower house, the House of Commons, it meets in the Palace of Westminster in London, England. [6] One of the oldest extant institutions in the world, its origins lie in the early 11th century and the emergence of bicameralism in the 13th century. [7 ...

Green is the principal colour for furnishing and fabrics throughout the House of Commons, with the green benches of the Chamber perhaps the most recognisable of these. The first authoritative mention of the use of green in the Chamber occured in 1663. In the House of Lords, red is similarly employed in upholstery, hansard, notepaper etc.

There are now five benches, but the lowest or front bench continues to be known as the Earls' Bench, and the highest bench, abutting the wall, as the Barons' Bench. The official opposition party occupies the centre block and the benches nearest the Bar.

The House of Lords is the second chamber of the UK Parliament. It is independent from, and complements the work of, the elected House of Commons. The Lords shares the task of making and shaping laws and checking and challenging the work of the government.

The benches where the Members sit are split into two sides, facing each other with the Speaker’s chair between the sets of benches at one end of the chamber under the public gallery. Robing Room. Prior to the Queen entering the House of Lords, she dons her ceremonial state robes and the Imperial State Crown.

Welcome to the Houses of Parliament 360° virtual tour; discover the history, art, and architecture of the building and discover what happens at UK Parliament. Immerse yourself in the 360° walkthrough of the Palace of Westminster.

Under the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, a member of the House who holds a disqualifying judicial office is disqualified for sitting and voting in the House of Lords or in any committee of the House or joint committee. Such members are not disqualified for receiving a writ of summons;

A crossbencher is a minor party or independent member of some legislatures, such as the British House of Lords and the Parliament of Australia. They take their name from the crossbenches, between and perpendicular to the government and opposition benches, where crossbenchers sit …

Jun 8, 2022 · House of Commons benches and furnishings are green in colour, a custom which goes back 300 years. In the House of Lords, red is similarly employed in upholstery, hansard, notepaper etc.

Most Members of the House of Lords belong to political parties. Those who are members of the governing party sit behind the Ministers and spokespeople on the front bench. Most members are life peers, chosen for their knowledge, expertise and experience.