French MPs have narrowly approved the first stage of a proposal to enable people convicted of terrorism offences to be stripped of their nationality.

The measure is the most controversial change to the constitution drawn up after the 13 November attacks in Paris.

France's National Assembly is due to vote on Wednesday on all the measures proposed by the government.

Emergency powers currently in force would be given a new status under the constitution.

The proposal to strip citizenship from offenders was carried by a margin of 162 to 148, after the government removed a reference to dual nationals born in France. That had aroused considerable opposition and prompted the resignation of Justice Minister Christiane Taubira.