§ Lord Pattenasked Her Majesty's Government: Whether it is possible for life Peers to renounce their titles and places in the House of Lords under current practice and legislation, and, if so, by what means. [HL58]
§ The Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor (Lord Falconer of Thoroton)It is not currently possible for life Peers whose peerages were created under the terms of the Life Peerages Act 1958 to renounce their titles or their places in the House of Lords, although they may take leave of absence from the House at any time during a Parliament by applying in writing to the Clerk of Parliaments. The Government are currently consulting over whether legislative provision should be made to allow for voluntary resignation from the Lords and disclaimer of life peerages.