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Brown to set out plans for reform Constitutional plan to be set out
(10 minutes later)
Gordon Brown is set to reveal his plans for a constitutional shake-up which he hopes will restore trust in politics.Gordon Brown is set to reveal his plans for a constitutional shake-up which he hopes will restore trust in politics.
The prime minister is expected to give up his right to declare war without Parliament's approval and to propose a British Bill of Rights.The prime minister is expected to give up his right to declare war without Parliament's approval and to propose a British Bill of Rights.
Mr Brown says wants to end the informal "sofa" government, which critics say existed under predecessor Tony Blair. Mr Brown also says wants to end the informal "sofa" government, which critics say existed under Tony Blair.
The plans were due to be announced on Monday but were delayed while ministers responded to the terror alert.The plans were due to be announced on Monday but were delayed while ministers responded to the terror alert.
TreatiesTreaties
In his first address to the House of Commons as prime minister, Mr Brown is expected to say he will give up royal prerogatives such as declaring war without parliamentary approval or appointing Church of England bishops.In his first address to the House of Commons as prime minister, Mr Brown is expected to say he will give up royal prerogatives such as declaring war without parliamentary approval or appointing Church of England bishops.
It is understood MPs will be given powers to recall Parliament in an emergency, to hold US-style confirmation hearings for appointees to important public posts and to ratify international treaties.It is understood MPs will be given powers to recall Parliament in an emergency, to hold US-style confirmation hearings for appointees to important public posts and to ratify international treaties.
A British Bill of Rights would enshrine the civil liberties of UK citizens. At the moment there is the Human Rights Act and European Convention on Human Rights, but no specific British Bill of Rights. A Bill of Rights would set out the rights and responsibilities of UK citizens.
Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor Jack Straw will have parliamentary responsibility for seeing through any legislation needed for the changes.Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor Jack Straw will have parliamentary responsibility for seeing through any legislation needed for the changes.
Speaking to the BBC, Mr Brown refused to discuss the details of his proposals, insisting that they should be outlined to Parliament first.Speaking to the BBC, Mr Brown refused to discuss the details of his proposals, insisting that they should be outlined to Parliament first.
'Directly involved''Directly involved'
He added: "We had a very long discussion at the first Cabinet about the constitution, which involved every single member of the Cabinet.He added: "We had a very long discussion at the first Cabinet about the constitution, which involved every single member of the Cabinet.
"This is not what some people have called 'sofa government'. It is Cabinet government and the Cabinet ministers have got to be directly involved in decisions.""This is not what some people have called 'sofa government'. It is Cabinet government and the Cabinet ministers have got to be directly involved in decisions."
He indicated that this week's statement would not cover voting reform, but said a paper on the electoral system would be published at a later stage.He indicated that this week's statement would not cover voting reform, but said a paper on the electoral system would be published at a later stage.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell urged Mr Brown to promote reforms "setting out individual rights and limiting the power of the state".Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell urged Mr Brown to promote reforms "setting out individual rights and limiting the power of the state".
He said Commons select committees should get more powers to scrutinise parliamentary bills and for a "constitutional convention", involving members of the public, to discuss change.He said Commons select committees should get more powers to scrutinise parliamentary bills and for a "constitutional convention", involving members of the public, to discuss change.
Sir Menzies added: "A piecemeal approach to constitutional change will not suffice anymore. Now is the moment for bold and radical reform."Sir Menzies added: "A piecemeal approach to constitutional change will not suffice anymore. Now is the moment for bold and radical reform."