The House of Lords cannot block the elected government. It can amend legislation, and do so with the benefit of not being subject to political short-termism and with considerable expertise and knowledge. It can try to prevent the Commons from passing bad and unworkable laws. However ultimately the House of Commons can force its legislation through.

As I have said before, the Lords encompass a very wide range of experience across the entire spectrum of national activities. It would be strangerif religious leaders were not amongst them.

There are 26 bishops in the Lords, out of about 760 eligible working peers. Hardly a dominant voice.