LONDON, May 16 (UPI) -- The British government has abandoned plans for non-jury trials for terror suspects, the Times of London reported Monday.
In light of Labor's much depleted parliamentary majority, ministers have decided such dramatic changes to fundamental aspects of British law were too controversial.
Lord Charles Falconer rejected suggestions from Home Secretary Charles Clarke and predecessor David Blunkett for sweeping reforms to courtroom processes in terrorism cases.
Clarke had suggested moving away from the traditional adversarial procedures, while Blunkett had suggested non-jury courts and a lower burden of proof to make convicting suspected terrorists easier.
However, Falconer made clear his opposition when he outlined the strategy of the Department of Constitutional Affairs for the coming parliament. "We have absolutely no such plans in relation to general court procedures and no such plans in relation to terror suspect cases," he said.
The government will instead concentrate on its plans for national identity cards, also set to face a rough ride through Parliament.
