Britain:British justice secretary Jack Straw is to consider helping to break an impasse over whether French paparazzi witnesses will give evidence to the inquest on Diana, Princess of Wales, it was confirmed yesterday.
Coroner Lord Justice Scott Baker contacted the Ministry of Justice after a call for Mr Straw to intervene personally with his French counterpart over a decision not to force the photographers to testify.
The coroner has no powers to force French witnesses to give evidence to the British court.
It emerged during legal argument yesterday that a decision was taken in Paris not to use French legal powers to compel the paparazzi who pursued Diana to the scene of her death to give evidence by video link.
Michael Mansfield QC, representing Mohamed al Fayed, the father of Diana's partner Dodi, called for Mr Straw to make representations to the French government.
Mr Mansfield fears the French decision could lead to a "paper inquest" and result in other key witnesses such as the French pathologists not being compelled to attend. -