Lord's reform vote dropped by coalition

The coalition has dropped plans for a crucial vote on its plans to reform the House of Lords after it faced likely defeat over the issue.

Up to 100 Conservatives were expected to defy the government and oppose the plan to limit the time available for debating plans for a mainly elected second chamber of Parliament.

Addressing MPs, the Commons leader Sir George Young said the government was still "committed" to the plans. The Shadow Commons leader Angela Eagle called the climbdown a "victory for Parliament".