This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/7312050.stm

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Parliament reform plans due out Parliament reform plans set out
(about 1 hour later)
Plans to reform the way Parliament operates are due to be unveiled by Justice Secretary Jack Straw. Plans to reform the way Parliament operates are being unveiled by Justice Secretary Jack Straw.
It is thought the draft Constitutional Renewal Bill may formally give MPs the final say on going to war. The draft Constitutional Renewal Bill gives MPs the official say on going to war and on when an election is called.
The Tories hope to use a Commons debate to force a vote on their renewed call for a full inquiry into the Iraq war. Mr Straw also said the controversial 2005 restrictions on Parliament Square protests would be scrapped.
The BBC understands that ministers have approved a move to set up a commission, with the Scottish Parliament, to re-examine devolution in Scotland.The BBC understands that ministers have approved a move to set up a commission, with the Scottish Parliament, to re-examine devolution in Scotland.
Under his proposed reforms, Mr Straw is expected to announce that Parliament should be allowed the final decision on when an election is called.
Defence of the UnionDefence of the Union
He is also likely to recommend the Commons be given more of a say in the selection of public officials. Mr Straw is also proposing that the Commons has more of a say in the selection - or approval - of public officials.
His statement will be followed by an opposition-led debate in which the Conservatives are hoping to force a vote calling for an inquiry into the Iraq war.His statement will be followed by an opposition-led debate in which the Conservatives are hoping to force a vote calling for an inquiry into the Iraq war.
Shadow foreign secretary William Hague says that unless an inquiry begins soon, memories will fade and relevant files will go astray.Shadow foreign secretary William Hague says that unless an inquiry begins soon, memories will fade and relevant files will go astray.
Gordon Brown has agreed to hold an inquiry when it is "appropriate".Gordon Brown has agreed to hold an inquiry when it is "appropriate".
The government says no inquiry should be held while UK troops are still in action in Iraq as it would be a diversion.The government says no inquiry should be held while UK troops are still in action in Iraq as it would be a diversion.
On devolution, the prime minister has issued an impassioned defence of the Union, stressing that it is not a "contract of convenience". Earlier, the prime minister had written an article for the Daily Telegraph in defence of the Union, stressing that it is not a "contract of convenience".
Mr Brown said Britain was based on a "covenant" binding together England, Wales and Scotland in a way that went beyond the material benefits to each nation. Mr Brown said the UK was based on a "covenant" binding together England, Wales and Scotland in a way that went beyond the material benefits to each nation.
Barnet FormulaBarnet Formula
Writing in the Daily Telegraph, he said the foundation of the Union was "shared values that have created bonds of belonging that make us all feel part of a wider Britain".Writing in the Daily Telegraph, he said the foundation of the Union was "shared values that have created bonds of belonging that make us all feel part of a wider Britain".
Mr Brown has made "Britishness" and constitutional reform two of the key themes of his premiership.Mr Brown has made "Britishness" and constitutional reform two of the key themes of his premiership.
But he has also faced calls to address the perceived imbalance in power created by devolution, which allows Scottish MPs to vote on English matters such as health and education but not vice versa.But he has also faced calls to address the perceived imbalance in power created by devolution, which allows Scottish MPs to vote on English matters such as health and education but not vice versa.
The BBC understands the Cabinet has approved the establishment of a commission, to be chaired by academic Kenneth Calman, to look at the work of a devolved Scotland in terms of both its powers and finances.The BBC understands the Cabinet has approved the establishment of a commission, to be chaired by academic Kenneth Calman, to look at the work of a devolved Scotland in terms of both its powers and finances.
It will consider whether the Scottish executive should take more responsibility for the money it spends by devolving more taxes from the UK Treasury.It will consider whether the Scottish executive should take more responsibility for the money it spends by devolving more taxes from the UK Treasury.
It is possible that this could in the future allow for changes to the controversial Barnet Formula, the complicated mechanism for calculating public spending in Scotland, which has led to it being higher per head than in England.It is possible that this could in the future allow for changes to the controversial Barnet Formula, the complicated mechanism for calculating public spending in Scotland, which has led to it being higher per head than in England.