THE Government has stepped up MP Janet Anderson's crusade to tackle drivers who use mobile phones, announcing tougher penalties in the Queen's Speech.

The Rossendale and Darwen MP persuaded Labour to outlaw the practice but there has been evidence many drivers are flouting the law.

But today the Government, as it set out its programme for the coming year in advance of a general election, published a Road Safety Bill which would increase the penalties for using a hand-held mobile phone doubling the fine to £60 and allowing three penalty points to be put on people's licences.

There will be tougher penalties for careless and inconsiderate driving and using a vehicle in a dangerous condition and the mandatory re-testing of known drink drivers.

Foreign Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw will pilot a major bill through Parliament paving the way for a referendum on a European Constitution.

But he has lost a Cabinet battle to set a date for that vote.

The bill is likely to be one of the most contentious of the coming Parliament with the Conservatives and some Labour left wingers strongly opposed to the constitution and will fully test Mr Straw's political and diplomatic skills.