British hope legislation will bring fresh momentum in North

FRESH momentum will be generated in the search for a political breakthrough in the North by new legislation published yesterday.

Northern Secretary of State Peter Hain has been given power to call a snap Assembly election in legislation published yesterday in a bid to break the political logjam and restore devolved government.

The Northern Ireland Miscellaneous Provisions Bill will pave the way for responsibility for policing and criminal justice being put in the hands of the locally elected politicians - if they agree to govern together.