Straw sets out constitution plans

Justice Secretary Jack Straw has set out the next steps for wide-ranging changes to the British constitution first floated in July by Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

They include a right for MPs to vote on any treaty entered into by the Government, a confirmatory role for the House of Commons in the appointment of senior judges and the rolling back of restrictions on protests around Parliament introduced under Tony Blair.

Mr Straw said the "freedom of the media to investigate and report is a key issue in the use of information".

Ministers had decided not to press ahead with restrictions on media access to coroner's courts in the light of responses to a consultation exercise last year.

Proposals to ban media payments to criminals had also been under consideration.

"None of us want to see criminals profiting from publishing books about their crimes," he said.

"While ensuring that the freedom of the press to investigate and report is maintained, we will bring forward proposals to make sure criminals cannot benefit in this way."

Mr Straw said there were also concerns about the misuse of personal data and new rules in the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill had raised concerns that they might "impede legitimate investigative journalism".

The Information Commissioner, in consultation with the Press Complaints Commission, would produce guidance to ensure the rights to investigate were not impeded.

Of the Government's war-making powers, Mr Straw said changes could be made by convention or through legislation.

"The consultation paper discusses the critical issues which any system would have to accommodate," he said.

"It is essential that any new arrangements should not damage morale, hinder us in meeting our international obligations, nor inhibit operational flexibility and the need for secrecy and to act in emergencies."

The new arrangements must also not put the armed forces under any "legal liability".

Mr Straw also announced that the Government would publish national security strategy each year, starting next month.

He said the strategy would set out "the threats we face and the objectives we pursue".

Parliament would also be given a "clear role" in the appointment of members of the Intelligence and Security Committee.

Mr Straw confirmed that the Government would consult on plans to give MPs the power to decide whether British troops should be sent to war.

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