Brown maps out vision for new constitutional settlement in Britain

Gordon Brown, Britain's new Labor Party leader and prime minister in three days, announced a new constitutional settlement for country on Sunday afternoon after being crowned officially by the party at a special conference.

The principles of his reforms are for government to give more power to Parliament, while both Parliament and government giving more power to the people. Parliament will vote on all the major issues including peace and war, and civil liberties would be safeguarded and enhanced.

He made it clear to defend devolution in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland within a Union of nations, while strengthening local government with new powers, and empowering local communities to hold decision-makers to account.

Brown's decision is meant to shift the "sofa politics" typical of the Blair era and give power to the people. He also stressed that the new government will reach out to voters and put trust in the people in a bid to renew people's trust in government.

"When I take office on Wednesday, I will head and lead the call of change," the new leader pledged, adding he will work hard to serve the people. In his speech after becoming the new labor leader, Brown set out the agenda for his new government, members of which are set to be announced after he takes over the prime ministerial post on Wednesday.

Also on Sunday, Justice Minister Harriet Harman was pronounced to beat five other candidates and becomes deputy leader and chairwoman of the ruling party.

Source: Xinhua