Commons votes to toss hereditary Lords from House of Lords
LONDON (-- Legislators took an unprecedented step Wednesday toward ending an age-old tradition of allowing Britain's non-elected elite to hold political power, backing proposals for an entirely elected House of Lords.
House of Commons lawmakers voted 337-224 in favor of developing laws to elect all members of Parliament's upper chamber -- potentially one of the most significant constitutional changes in British history.
The move, which requires new legislation, would bring the previously unelected upper house in line with similar institutions, such as the U.S. Senate.
Jack Straw, leader of the Commons, said the vote was a historic step forward and would meet with others to discuss how to proceed.
Lawmakers in both the Commons and Lords will hold future votes on the plan when the laws are proposed, which cannot happen before the next parliamentary session beginning in October.
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House of Commons lawmakers voted 337-224 in favor of developing laws to elect all members of Parliament's upper chamber -- potentially one of the most significant constitutional changes in British history.
The move, which requires new legislation, would bring the previously unelected upper house in line with similar institutions, such as the U.S. Senate.
Jack Straw, leader of the Commons, said the vote was a historic step forward and would meet with others to discuss how to proceed.
Lawmakers in both the Commons and Lords will hold future votes on the plan when the laws are proposed, which cannot happen before the next parliamentary session beginning in October.