British Peers Could Lose Their Perch

House of Commons wants counterpart Lords to be elected
By Sophie Goldstein,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 8, 2007 11:26 AM CST
British Peers Could Lose Their Perch
Start Of British Legal Year Marked With Judges Breakfast   (Getty Images)

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.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X