Blair vows Lords' defiance will be the last roar of the dinosaurs
Article Abstract:
The UK House of Lords has voted for the fifth time to reject the form of proportional representation selected by the government for the elections to the European Parliament in Jun 1999. The government will now reintroduce the Bill in the next parliamentary session, and will make use of the Parliament Act in the hope that the Bill will become law by Jan 1999, the final date that will permit proportional representation to be used for the European elections. Ministers believe that the confrontational stance of the House of Lords will make it easier for Prime Minister Tony Blair to remove the speaking and voting rights of hereditary peers.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 1998
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Blair sharpens his axe to end 'feudal domination' of Lords
Article Abstract:
The parliamentary year which began on Nov 24, 1998, will be dominated by plans by UK Prime Minister Tony Blair to abolish the right of the 750 hereditary peers to speak and vote in the House of Lords. Ministers will seek to push through other legislation before they permit peers to debate this issue. Blair has emphasized that the focus of the Queen's Speech on the occasion of the official opening of parliament is plans by the government to modernize public services. The government plans 22 Bills, including changes to the youth justice system and to legal aid.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 1998
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Eighty MPs defy Blair on welfare
Article Abstract:
UK government ministers have been surprised by the extent of the opposition among Labour MPs to plans to reduce benefits for the disabled. Some 65 Labour MPs voted against the government on this issue, with a further 14 abstaining and two rebels acting as tellers. It is clear that Labour MPs are becoming increasingly confident about criticizing the government. It is possible that an even larger rebellion among Labour MPs will be seen over the Immigration and Asylum Bill.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 1999
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