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LONDON (AP) - A mother who has campaigned for police reform and better race relations since her son was murdered 20 years ago has been appointed to the British Parliament's upper chamber, the House of Lords.
Doreen Lawrence, whose 18-year-old son Stephen was killed by a racist gang of white youths in 1993, is among 30 new peers announced Thursday.
The list also includes James Palumbo, co-founder of the Ministry of Sound nightclub chain; former senior police officer Brian Paddick; and Britain's first Green Party peer, Jenny Jones.
The House of Lords scrutinizes and amends legislation passed by the elected House of Commons. For centuries it was composed largely of hereditary nobles, but most members are now selected by a committee from recommendations by political parties and members of the public.
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