MPs and peers unite against bill

Ministers are rethinking reform of the House of Lords after their plans were treated with scorn by both MPs and peers.

The plans were attacked in debates in both Houses last night as unworkable and ill thought out. Backbenchers want to see at least half of all peers directly elected. Under the proposals, 120 members of a new 600-strong chamber would be directly elected, with a further 120 appointed by an independent body, and the rest nominated by the political parties. The plans were attacked in debates in both Houses last night as unworkable. Backbenchers want to see at least half of all peers directly elected.

Leader of the Commons Robin Cook admitted last night that they would have to find some alternative, one that could command a "centre-of-gravity" of opinion on reform. But he warned that a wholly elected second chamber would undermine the authority of the Commons.