What is the primary role of the House of Lords?

The House of Lords plays a crucial role in the UK's legislative process, acting as a revising chamber for laws passed by the House of Commons. Think of it as a second set of eyes, ensuring legislation is well-considered and effective. While the House of Commons, made up of elected Members of Parliament, is the primary body for creating laws, the House of Lords scrutinizes these laws, suggesting amendments or even proposing entirely new ones. This process helps to refine legislation, taking into account different perspectives and expertise. The Lords bring a wealth of experience to the table, with members including life peers appointed for their contributions to society, hereditary peers, and senior bishops of the Church of England. They can't block legislation outright, but their suggested changes often lead to important improvements. So, while it might be tempting to think of the Lords as simply a place for ex-MPs or a largely symbolic body, its main function is actively contributing to the law-making process through proposing amendments and new laws.