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New British PM Announces Legislative Goals

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British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has outlined his legislative goals to parliament, saying he will seek all-party agreements to boost the rate of successful terrorism prosecutions.

Mr. Brown also told lawmakers Wednesday that he will build consensus for increasing the amount of time that terrorist suspects can be held without charge. Current law, which says an uncharged suspect must be released after 28 days, was adopted after Britain's highest court ruled that detaining suspects without trial is unlawful.

In announcing his agenda Wednesday, Mr. Brown broke with tradition that government plans are set out by the reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth.

The prime minister's address was in large part devoted to domestic issues, and included proposals for ending a chronic British shortage of affordable housing.

Housing prices have tripled in the past decade, leaving many young Britons unable to buy their own homes. The prime minister also unveiled several education and pension bill proposals.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.
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