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Parliament reform plans set out Constitution reform plans set out
(30 minutes later)
Plans to reform the way Parliament operates are being unveiled by Justice Secretary Jack Straw. MPs will need to give prior approval of a decision to deploy British troops to war, under constitutional reforms being unveiled by Jack Straw.
The draft Constitutional Renewal Bill gives MPs the official say on going to war and on when an election is called. The justice secretary said the draft Constitutional Renewal Bill would also scrap 2005 restrictions on protests around Parliament Square.
Mr Straw also said the controversial 2005 restrictions on Parliament Square protests would be scrapped. He said he opposed making not voting in elections a criminal offence - but said elections could be moved to weekends.
The BBC understands that ministers have approved a move to set up a commission, with the Scottish Parliament, to re-examine devolution in Scotland. Nick Herbert, for the Tories, said the proposals were "worthy but inadequate".
Defence of the Union The measures announced by Mr Straw aim to move the country towards a "new constitutional settlement" and update "how power should be exercised in a modern democracy".
Union flag
He said they would mean the Attorney General having no power to give directions to prosecutors except in exceptional cases - and he would have to make an annual statement to Parliament.
The interim rule that allows government buildings to fly the Union flag at any time would be made permanent.
These changes if agreed would define for the first time a clearer role for Parliament in the most critical of all decisions to face a nation Jack StrawJustice Secretary
And it would limit the powers of the executive to deploy forces into conflict situations.
"It would require the prime minister of the day to seek the approval of this House before deciding to commit forces into armed conflicts abroad," Mr Straw said.
The only exception would be if prior approval by Parliament would jeopardise security. Special forces would be exempt from the move.
"These changes if agreed would define for the first time a clearer role for Parliament in the most critical of all decisions to face a nation," said Mr Straw.
But shadow justice secretary Mr Herbert said: "Isn't it the case that the relationship between the people and politicians is seriously damaged and that it will require more to repair our broken politics than the measures announced today?"
Iraq inquiry demand
Mr Straw is also proposing that the Commons has more of a say in the selection - or approval - 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".
'Britishness'
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.
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".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 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.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 Formula In his article 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.