Suspects in the Rwandan and Yugoslavian genocides could be tried in British courts under proposals unveiled by Justice Secretary Jack Straw after warnings Britain could become a "safe haven" for war criminals.
Mr Straw said he had decided to "strengthen" domestic law by making British residents suspected of war crimes since 1991 liable to stand trial, adding 10 years to the current limit.
The decision follows warnings from the Parliamentary Group for Genocide Prevention about legal loopholes which would let suspects avoid trial.
In a statement to MPs, Mr Straw said the all-party group had made a "powerful case" for the inclusion of genocide as an extra territorial offence.
He said: "Serious crimes of this nature are best dealt with in the country where the crimes took place.
"That is where the evidence will be most easily accessible and where witnesses will be easier to contact."
"It is also the best solution because witnesses and survivors can see justice being done.
"Failing that, these crimes should be dealt with by international courts or tribunals where they exist."
