House of Lords: Maiden and Valedictory Speeches, 2010–2015
The first and last speeches made by a Member of the House of Lords are significant occasions and, by tradition, are marked with respect by the House.
The first speech made by a Member of the House of Lords is known as a maiden speech. This Library Note includes the full text of a selection of recent maiden speeches, made by a cross-section of Members from different parties and affiliations, to illustrate the range of styles and subjects covered by new Members in their first contribution to the proceedings of the House of Lords. It also includes an index of Members’ maiden speeches made in the House of Lords during the course of the last Parliament.
The House of Lords Reform Act 2014 enabled Members to retire from the House of Lords. It was agreed that Members should be given the opportunity to make a valedictory speech to mark their retirement. By the end of the Parliament three such speeches had been made and the text of all are included in the Note.