cross-bench

British  

noun

1. (usually plural) a seat in Parliament occupied by a neutral or independent member

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Other Word Forms

• cross-bencher
  noun

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cross-bench

And cross-bench peer Baroness Beeban Kidron told the BBC: "Technology moves fast, and this legislation is supposed to plug an existing gap, so there is no excuse for delay."

From BBC ● Jan. 8, 2026

But a government source argued amendments from cross-bench, or independent, peers in the House of Lords meant there was not enough time to pass the legislation.

From BBC ● May 23, 2024

“The oddity is having bishops in the lords at all,” said Peter Ricketts, a retired British diplomat who is a cross-bench member of the House of Lords, meaning that he does not represent a party.

From New York Times ● May 11, 2023

The new cross-bench politicians want to make their first speeches to parliament before speaking on the climate change bill, which may delay its introduction, a Greens official said.

From Reuters ● Jul. 25, 2022

Quick as lightning he seized hold of the cross-bench of the canoe, and with his head out of water beneath the upturned keel, he was dashed down the furious and well-nigh perpendicular fall.

From Dick Sands, the Boy Captain by Frewer, Ellen E.