Greece Passes Austerity Laws In Critical Vote

Greek MPs have passed a series of painful new austerity measures into law aimed at saving the country's economy from collapse.

The reforms, including tax hikes and pensions, were overwhelmingly backed, but some figures inside the prime minister's left-wing Syriza party opposed the deal.

The bill had to pass in order for Greece to start negotiations with creditors on a third bailout worth €86bn (£61bn) over three years.

But the reforms will condemn the Greek people to more years of economic hardship.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said it was the best possible deal he could get from the creditors to prevent Greece being forced out of the euro.

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