Nick Clegg pledges biggest political reforms since 1832

Published:Wednesday,19th,May,2010.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is promising the "biggest shake-up of our democracy" in 178 years as he expands on plans for political reform.

The Tory-Lib Dem coalition backs plans for fixed-term parliaments, more elected peers and a referendum on changing the voting system.

Mr Clegg, speaking in north London, will vow to restore faith in politics.

The Lib Dem leader is also expected to call on the public to nominate laws they think should be repealed.

But in an interview with the News Agency, Mr Clegg defended the Human Rights Act - which the Conservatives have previously pledged to replace - saying "any government would tamper with it at its peril".

The government has said a commission will be formed to review the act, having previously promised to replace it with a "British Bill of Rights".

The workings of the act have again been called into question after two terrorist suspects successfully appealed against being deported to Pakistan, after arguing they faced torture or death in their home country.

Sourced by Adeyemi Ikuomola