Deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman raised a number of issues with the proposals, but said the royal charter framework would form the basis of cross-party talks scheduled for Thursday.

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Mr. Harman has interviewed a number of candidates including former New York Observer editor Peter Kaplan , people familiar with the situation said.

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David Heath - Ms Harman's opposite number in the Lib Dems - asked that Justice Secretary Jack Straw be asked to address the debate in Westminster Hall, but Ms Harman suggested it might be upgraded and held in the Commons chamber.

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