New legislation to demonstrate the government's commitment to "openness and accountability" is to be set out in draft form.

The Queen's speech confirmed that the government was committed to "a strong Parliament able to hold the government properly to account".

"Proposals will be brought forward to renew the constitutional settlement and strengthen the relationship between the government, Parliament and the people," the statement added.

A Draft Constitutional Renewal Bill will include measures to give MPs the final say on ratifying international treaties.

It will also give MPs a greater role in holding ministers to account and could require the executive to seek the approval of Parliament before waging war.

The Bill aims to rebalance relations between Parliament and the government, giving MPs a greater role in holding ministers to account.

It also puts the civil service on a statutory footing.

It proposes ways to increase public participation in decision-making by clarifying the role of central and local government.

There are also moves to allow more demonstrations in Parliament Square, with the government stressing "there should be no unnecessary restrictions on people's right to protest".

And the government will consult on formally surrendering the royal prerogative of mercy, under which ministers make recommendations to the monarch to grant pardons and remit sentences in miscarriages of justice.

Other measures will include pre-appointment hearings for some public sector jobs, and implementing any changes to the legal role of the attorney general.

The Bill does not refer to plans for a written constitution or statement of British values, something Brown has pledged to consult on.

And there are no details on reforming the House of Lords, as justice secretary Jack Straw announced in July that the second chamber would be left as it is until after the next general election.

The Bill, which covers the whole of the UK, follows the government's 'Governance of Britain' green paper published in July. The details will be clarified following a consultation period.