What difference would a Brown Gov. Make?? --Independent

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3//The Independent, UK Published: 08 September 2006

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/article1372020.ece



WHAT DIFFERENCE WOULD A BROWN GOVERNMENT MAKE?

By Andrew Grice, Political Editor



What would Gordon Brown do as Prime Minister? It is the biggest unknown in British politics.



Critics claim the inscrutable Mr Brown has deliberately concealed his agenda. Although he has said little about some issues, notably foreign policy, he wants to make maximum impact in his first 100 days if he becomes Prime Minister. But his speeches and statements do provide plenty of clues.



THE BIG BANG?

There are signs that Mr Brown is looking for a landmark announcement like his decision days after the 1997 election to hand control of interest rates to the Bank of England.



It could be a raft of reforms to rebuild the voters' trust in politicians, perhaps through a modern written constitution setting out basic rights and responsibilities for all citizens and the roles of parliament, judiciary and government.





(SNIP)



SECURITY

Mr Brown would want to reassure voters that he would not be soft on crime or terrorism. He may attempt to increase from the present 28 days the time for which police can hold suspected terrorists without being charged. Mr Blair's proposed 90-day limit was rejected last year. The Chancellor has already angered left-of-centre MPs by pledging to keep Britain's independent nuclear deterrent.



FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Atlhough an Atlanticist rather than a Europhile by instinct, Mr Brown is expected to drop the "hug them close" strategy under which Mr Blair refuses to differ in public with Washington.



In an attempt to draw a line under the Iraq war, Mr Brown may acknowledge that mistakes were made and will be anxious to ensure British troops return home as soon as possible.