Tories defeated as benefit bill clears first Commons hurdle

[LeftishBrit]

Liberal Democrat and Labour MPs have joined forces to defeat Conservatives in a Commons vote to partly overturn housing benefit changes.

MPs backed the Affordable Homes Bill at second reading by 306 votes to 231.

Lib Dem MP Andrew George's private member's bill will now move to detailed scrutiny at the committee stage.

The issue has split the coalition, with Lib Dem and Tory MPs and ministers voting along party lines....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29075300

(No doubt too little and too late; but good to see Labour and even LibDem MPs fighting against one of Duncan-Smith's vilest policies. You'd almost think there was soon to be an election...)

[shenmue]

1. Huzzah!

[Anarcho-Socialist]

2. Such a thing could contribute to saving the union

The SNP are making hay that the "only way to get rid of the bedroom tax is to vote YES for independence", while talking down hopes of a Labour victory in 2015 in Westminster.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

3. The media are pointing out that no SNP MPs

turned out to vote for the bill.