British Peers Could Lose Their Perch

British peers took it on the chin last night as their confrères in the House of Commons voted to make the House of Lords 100 percent elected, ending the rights of title-holders to inherit their seats. If a larger reform plan passes, the Lords could find elected members in their midst for the first time in history.

They can sit pretty for now, however: the Commons' bill was largely symbolic, indicating support for the measure but not changing the law. Real reform isn't likely to come until after the next election. (More House of Lords stories.)