Terrorism suspects could be offered reduced sentences or immunity for information about their networks under new legislation to be included in next month's Queen's Speech.

Under Home Office plans, an official plea bargaining scheme will be drawn up in a bid to tackle serious and organised crime.

However, the Telegraph reports that Whitehall officials have suggested that it should also apply to terrorism charges.

Ministers argue that outlining plea bargaining opportunities in statute will offer clearer rewards and incentives.

A judge would impose a split sentence, explaining the term a defendant would have served had he not cooperated with police officers and the sentence he will actually receive.

False testimony could lead to the prosecution returning to court to ensure the original, longer, sentence is served.