What is parliament and how does it work? Members of the House of Lords are not publicly elected. Historically the Lords were hereditary peers entitled to sit in the chamber because they held an inherited title such as duke, marquess, earl, viscount or baron. These days most of the Lords are appointed by giving them the title of life peer - they make up 707 out of 824 members (excluding some through long-term sickness, etc.). Life peers do not pass their title on to their children. Plans for further reform of the Lords are being considered. The main purpose of the Lords is to scrutinise proposed new laws to make sure they are fair and workable. Some government bills will be sent to the Lords for their first reading to spread the workload between the two houses.