The prime minister has defended his decision to implement sweeping constitutional change during the recent reshuffle.

He said the changes were now subject to consultation and would be fully discussed before being introduced.

Blair told MPs on Tuesday that it was now essential that the Lord Chancellor's Department "actually focuses on the courts system".

Judicial appointments would now take place "in a more transparent" way, the prime minister added.

"There was a very strong case for there being a proper supreme court where the law lords sit," he said.

"I think and hope that people recognise that this can't be a change that's rushed in overnight but will indeed go through a process of consultation and legislation."