Commons toppers to go

MPs VOTED last night to scrap the age-old custom of wearing top hats while making points of order during votes in the House of Commons.

The measure was one of a number designed to modernise proceedings in the chamber. Some MPs objected to the changes. Gwyneth Dunwoody, Labour member for Crewe and Nantwich, said other moves could create "a dangerous situation". "We are controlling speeches, we're asking to timetable every Bill - all of that brings with it very, very real dangers."