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Feb. 02, 1956 - Hanging Is Abolished - Tremendous Cheers Greets Historic Decision In The Commons: M.P.s Last Night Voted To Abolish The Death Penalty for murder or to suspend it for a trial period. On a free vote an amendment to the Government's motion to retain hanging was passed by 293-262, a majority of 31. Then the amended motion was adopted by 292-246, a majority of 46. And after 61/2 hours of dramatic debate, cheering abolitionist M.P.s crowded the floor of the House of Commons to greet their victory. But the death, sentence will still be passed - until the Government pass new legislation to amend the law. Photo shows Mrs. Violet Van Der Elst, the wealthy widow, who has campaigned for the abolition of the death penalty for over 30 years, is a very happy woman as she leaves the House of Commons after the announcement last night

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Abolish Abolished Abolition Abolitionist Adopted Amend Amended Amendment Announcement Campaigned Cheering Cheers Crowded Debate Decision Elst Greet Greets Legislation Majority Passed Penalty Retain Sentence Suspend Tremendous Violet Voted Wealthy

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