Jack Straw is to be the guest of honour at a Newspaper Society lunch on April 1.

The Foreign Secretary will address members of the Newspaper Conference, regional newspaper editors, chief executives and their guests, at the Conference annual lunch.

Conference chairman Brendan Carlin, who is also political editor of the Yorkshire Post, said: "We are delighted that Jack Straw is attending this year's annual lunch.

"International issues are at the forefront of the news agenda and many regional newspapers are preparing to send correspondents and photographers to the Gulf in case of conflict.

"Regional newspapers are often an important support structure for the families and friends of troops who have been sent overseas, providing information about specific, local units, as well as the broader national perspective.

"By attending the lunch, Jack Straw is recognising the value of working with the regional media and we are very pleased to welcome him."

There are currently 21 members of the Newspaper Conference, which represents London editors and political correspondents of regional newspapers who are members of the Newspaper Society.

The Conference acts as a link between its members, politicians, Government departments and the royal households, and meets four times a year for lunches at the House of Commons or the Newspaper Society, at which invited guests answer questions on regional issues.

The Annual Lunch is the main event of the year, and is open to all members of the Newspaper Society.

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