MPs vote to destroy 1000 years of British poltical history
Commons decision could result in most dramatic poltical change to the second house in almost a century.
Parliament members gathered yesterday to decide the future of the House of Lords, the end result was a 113 majority for the backing of a wholly-elected House. This was a surpirse to many, as it was thought that a complete change would not come around for some time if at all. Out of the options presented Ministers favoured a 50% elected and 50% appointed, so the fact that is was the most strongly opposed option by MPs came as a shock to many.
Jack Straw, the leader of the House was behind the proposal of reform to the House of Lords, he backed the 50%, 60% and 80% elected, but surprisingly didnt back the whole 100% elected House. MPs weren't satisfied with the proposals until it came to the high percentages of the elected house, therefore the 20%, 40% elected peers didn't get any backing. This shocking and drastic reform of the the Lords was againt the wishes of the Prime Minister who voted for a 50/50 split between elected and appointed members. This move is far from the final decision; the case now has to go to the cabinet - and as the ministers favour a different proposal to MPs the outcome could be interesting.
If the MPs choice does get passed it would result in a decrease in the size of the second chamber - bringing its membership numbers down from more than 700 to only 540. This may not be the best decision which Mr Straw has proposed since his appointment as leader of the House, but with a change of leadership insight perhaps labours position on the issue may change, be sure to keep your eyes on the issue as it progresses.
Jack Straw, the leader of the House was behind the proposal of reform to the House of Lords, he backed the 50%, 60% and 80% elected, but surprisingly didnt back the whole 100% elected House. MPs weren't satisfied with the proposals until it came to the high percentages of the elected house, therefore the 20%, 40% elected peers didn't get any backing. This shocking and drastic reform of the the Lords was againt the wishes of the Prime Minister who voted for a 50/50 split between elected and appointed members. This move is far from the final decision; the case now has to go to the cabinet - and as the ministers favour a different proposal to MPs the outcome could be interesting.
If the MPs choice does get passed it would result in a decrease in the size of the second chamber - bringing its membership numbers down from more than 700 to only 540. This may not be the best decision which Mr Straw has proposed since his appointment as leader of the House, but with a change of leadership insight perhaps labours position on the issue may change, be sure to keep your eyes on the issue as it progresses.