MPs vote to end tradition of late-night sittings

MPs last night voted to abandon the 150-year-old tradition of late-night sittings in the House of Commons.

They backed an historic package of reforms to end the current 2.30pm start and instead begin business in the Commons at 11.30am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. They also agreed to shorter summer breaks and more modern practices such as ensuring questions to ministers were more topical.

MPs voted by 311 to 234 to back early starts on Wednesdays and an earlier end to proceedings on Thursdays. But a second motion to start Commons business at 11.30am on Tuesdays was carried by just seven votes.

The result is a major victory for Robin Cook, the Leader of the House of Commons, who has staked his reputation on the changes. Mr Cook was opposed by an uneasy alliance of opposition Conservatives and traditionalist members of the Labour Party.

Under the plan, to come into force in January, debates, which currently end at 10.30pm, will normally finish at 7.30pm, while the 3.30pm Wednesday ritual of Prime Minister's Question Time will be moved to noon.

Only Monday sittings will start at 2.30pm, to allow MPs from far-flung constituencies to travel to London. The odd hours go back generations to the days when MPs held other jobs and only turned up in parliament when they had done their work. Younger MPs have bitterly complained about the anti-social regime, noting that it makes life particularly difficult for legislators who have children. Many MPs with constituencies a long way from London had opposed the change of hours.

The package includes moves to improve scrutiny of draft Bills before they are formally introduced into the Commons and publish an annual timetable for Commons sittings. During a six-hour debate, Mr Cook told MPs: "I love the Commons, but I want it not to dwindle gently into a museum attracting visitors on the strength of an eroded history. I want the Commons to remain the great forum of our nation ... to retain that respect of the public, the Commons must reform."