The government has defended its decision to delay the publication of plans to overhaul child protection laws.

Commons leader Peter Hain denied reports that the government had been forced onto the defensive following media attacks on children's minister Margaret Hodge.

Hodge is charged with delivering changes to the way council social services teams operate in the wake of the Victoria Climbie inquiry.

But her management of Islington Council at the height of a child sex abuse scandal has led to demands for her resignation.

Hain said Hodge's appointment offered a new opportunity to develop policy across government.

"We are the only government that has ever brought children's policy right across the departments under one minister," he said.

"It's an innovative, new, groundbreaking approach to government in respect of children's rights."

His defence came after Conservative MP David Cameron challenged the government over the delay.

"The rumour is that the delay is either because the children's minister is feeling besieged or because the prime minister wants to be at the launch. Neither reason is an acceptable excuse," he said.