MPs back all-elected second chamber

Updated 23.13 Wed Mar 07 2007

Keywords: government, reform, Jack Straw, Lords, MPs

MPs haven broken decades of deadlock over House of Lords reform by backing a fully elected second chamber.

In a surprise result, the Commons voted by 337 to 224, majority 113, for a wholly elected House. Minutes earlier, an 80 per cent elected Lords was backed by a narrower margin of just 38. Voting was 305 to 267.

"It is a dramatic result in the history of the British Parliament" - Jack Straw

Commons leader Jack Straw hailed the result as an "historic step forward" and pledged to work with the other parties on the next stage of reform.

Mr Straw said: "This is an historic step forward on an issue which has been a matter of debate for decades. The House of Commons has broken the deadlock.

"It is a dramatic result in the history of the British Parliament. I am delighted that MPs of all parties have come together to signal the way forward. "

He added: "The Lords will vote next week and we will consider the next move following that vote. I then hope to be able to bring the cross party group together to discuss the next stage of reform."

The cross party group is made up of representatives of the Government, the Conservatives, Liberal democrats and crossbench peers.