MPs' revolt threatens proposal for Lords
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Plans to reform the House of Lords might be rewritten with an increase in the number of elected members to avoid a revolt by backbench Labour MPs.
Robin Cook, the Leader of the Commons, said yesterday that there was "still room for us to find a consensus on the number of elected members" and promised a full Commons debate on the issue.
Labour MPs complained about the "wholly inadequate" number of elected members suggested in a White Paper on Wednesday. The document proposed electing 120 of the 600 members. Most others would be picked from party lists.
Martin Salter, Labour MP for Reading West, said: "The wholly inadequate proportion of elected members ... almost guarantees there is not a snowball's chance in hell of achieving the consensus that you seek on these benches, never mind across the House as a whole or the country at large."
David Winnick, the Labour MP for Walsall North, said: "Hopefully in the consultation it will be recognised that the minimum number of elected members should certainly not be less than one-third."
Eric Forth, the shadow Leader of the Commons, said the plans had been greeted with a "universal raspberry".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments