British MPs must drop the arcane and often baffling language they have used in public debate for more than 150 years, a new proposal before lawmakers recommends.
If accepted, members will refrain from referring to each other as the 'The Honourable' or 'Right Honourable' and drop honorifics such as 'The Gallant' for senior members, or 'The Learned' for members who are also lawyers.
The recommendations have been put forward by former foreign secretary Robin Cook in a discussion paper to be presented to parliament.
Mr Cook, whose present title of Leader of the House would become Minister for Parliament under the proposed shake-up, has been charged with updating the often antiquated practices of parliament.
The present language used in the House of Commons was established about 150 years ago when the official recorder of parliamentary debate, Hansard, came into being.
MPs may soon be referring to each other by their first names.