Nick Clegg hopes parliament has 'inched' towards Lords reform
As Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg formally announced the government's withdrawal of the Lords reform Bill, he said he hoped the process had "inched us forward" towards such a measure in the future.
He told MPs with a smile, "I would like to make a statement on House of Lords reform ... or what's left of it."
– Deputy Prime Minister Nick CleggI can confirm that the government has today withdrawn that Bill, about which I am not as happy as members behind me are.
Regrettably the coalition will not be able to deliver Lords reform during this parliament.
My hope is that we will return to this in the next parliament, emboldened by the historic second reading vote.
For now, the immediate decision for the Government is how we fill the gap in the legislative timetable and we will bring forward measures to promote growth."
More top news
Becky Adlington 'happier with look now'
Nottinghamshire Olympic medalist has been speaking about her appearance following reports she has undergone surgery.
Food bank sees £35,000 donations surge after article
A food bank charity sees a huge surge in donations after a newspaper article criticising the scheme sparked a social media funding drive.
Ukraine: No break in tensions after Easter 'shootings'
Tensions remain high in eastern Ukraine after at least three died in a day of shooting during what was supposed to be an Easter truce.