Jo welcomes historic Lords vote

4.16.00pm GMT Thu 8th Mar 2007

Jo Swinson has welcomed the outcome of last night's votes by MPs to reform the House of Lords.

She said:

"The historic outcome of these votes means that after nearly a hundred years, MPs have taken a landmark judgment to make the House of Lords fit for a modern democracy.

"The votes signal a victory for those of us who seek to make our political institutions more progressive, accountable and democratic."

In voting last night, MPs delivered a historic vote in favour of a wholly-elected House of Lords. The Commons voted by 337 to 224 in favour of a 100% elected Lords. The motion for an 80% elected house received a smaller majority of 38. While the vote is non-binding, Leader of the House Jack Straw has promised to uphold the decision. Any legislative changes would, however, need to gain approval from the current upper house first.