The government has ruled out giving householders more freedom to fight back against burglars.

Charles Clarke, the home secretary, said there was no need for tougher laws.

Last month Tony Blair told MPs he was minded to change or clarify the law.

Clarke said that after discussions with chief constables and prosecutors it had been concluded the existing law allowing "reasonable force" to be used against intruders was "sound".

He added there would be a publicity campaign to ensure people understood the law and could protect themselves.

"I believe people have the right to defend themselves and I do believe in that old adage 'An Englishman’s home is his castle.' I believe our law provides that," he said.

His announcement came on the day a Conservative MP announced a bill to give householders greater rights to protect themselves from intruders.

But Malcolm Starr, a spokesman for the Norfolk farmer Tony Martin, said the Tory proposals were "simply swapping one legal phrase for another".