MPs vote for elected Lords in historic vote

12.39.42pm GMT Fri 9th Mar 2007

MPs have this week delivered a historic vote in favour of a wholly-elected House of Lords. The Commons voted by 337 to 224 in favour of a 100% elected Lords. The motion for an 80% elected house received a smaller majority of 38. While the vote is non-binding, Leader of the House Jack Straw has promised to uphold the decision. Any legislative changes would, however, need to gain approval from the current upper house first.

Liberal Democrat Leader Ming Campbell said "This is a truly historic occasion. After nearly a hundred years the House of Commons has at last taken the momentous step to reform the upper house and make it fit for a modern democracy. This is a famous victory for progressive opinion both in Parliament and in the country."