Blunkett: Let's have a public debate on ID cards

Every British citizen could be made to carry an " entitlement" card under plans being considered by the Government. Home Secretary David Blunkett today told the Commons he wants a public debate on bringing back ID cards in Britain for the first time in 50 years.

The cards will be a key feature of the Government's asylum and immigration White Paper due out on Thursday. They would be designed to prevent fraud, stopping benefit cheats and making it impossible for illegal immigrants to work in the UK.

But ministers know the idea will be hugely controversial and Mr Blunkett stressed he has not made up his mind on an issue certain to spark opposition on Labour backbenches on civil liberties and cost grounds. Former Home Office minister Mike O'Brien spoke out after 11 September when ID cards were raised as a possible security measure. He said they would cost £1 billion, take four years to implement and do nothing to fight terrorism.

Senior Home Office sources moved to calm civil liberties fears by making clear police would not get new stop-and-search powers allowing them to demand people's papers.

It would be likely anyone starting a new job or claiming state benefits would have to show their card and parents might have to do so when enrolling children in school. But sources said it would be unlikely for a visit to a doctor.

Mr Blunkett said a Home Office report to be published by spring or early summer would examine the argument in more detail. A Home Office source said: "We know there are pros and cons and we want to allow people from all walks of life to say whether it is a good idea."

Introducing cards would be a significant change of direction for the Government. In March last year, it was hostile when the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee suggested a review of the issue. Then, Home Office officials pointed to problems of complexity, security breaches and cost as well as civil liberties. Police also said compulsory cards could damage community relations.