No country allowed evidence from spies to be heard in public, he told Radio 4's Today programme, as this would lead to "terrorists sitting in the public gallery and taking notes".

BBC: Government scraps 'secret inquests' plan

Mr Clarke told the BBC that British judges were very independent and they would have to be convinced there was a genuine "danger" to the public or to informants from evidence being heard in public to justify holding closed sessions.

BBC: Government scraps 'secret inquests' plan

The committee also heard evidence that communication with the public needed to be improved in order for the national strategy to be effective.

BBC: Environment Committee, afternoon session