Religion

The Catholic hierarchy last night joined forces with both Labour and the Conservatives to head off a political row over abortion in the coming election after the Archbishop of Westminster suggested that religion should play a larger part in British politics.

Michael Howard insisted he had not tried to make abortion an issue during a magazine interview and key aides stressed that it should remain a matter for MPs' consciences.

No 10 called for a "calm and rational" debate, but said Tony Blair has no plans to change current laws. Mr Howard said: "I don't decide what is an election issue, neither does Mr Blair. The British people will decide."

Steve Bell in today's Guardian