Blair gives his backingto ID card fast-track

by John Harrington Tony Blair has given his personal backing to quicker introduction of national ID cards to reduce the threat from international terrorism. Blair, who along with Home Secretary David Blunkett is a long-time supporter of compulsory ID cards, said in a press conference on Sunday that political objections to the scheme had been removed and only technical issues remain. "The whole issue of ID cards is very much on the political agenda more quickly than anticipated," he said. "It is perfectly obvious why we are having to do this ­ because we want to protect our people against terrorism." However Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt has claimed that a number of senior minister are still not convinced of the merits of a compulsory system. She pointed out that the compulsory cards would have to wait until new biometric technology, includingfingerprint and retina scans, is proven in new passports an driving licences. The Prime Minister's comments come five months after an alliance of rebel cabinet members, led by Chancellor Gordon Brown and Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, appeared to have blocked the introduction of the cards until at least 2013. At the time, the Government announced it would publish a draft Bill in the spring with implementation postponed for up to 10 years. Tony Payne, chief executive of the Federation of Licensed Victullers Associations, who last year wrote to the Home Secretary giving his backing for the scheme, said: "The card will mean lots of benefits for the licensed trade. "It will help stop credit card fraud and will also help stop under-age drinking. "We are very pleased that Tony Blair has put his weight behind the Home Secretary and supported this." British Beer & Pub Associa-tion spokesman Mark Hastings added: "We've always seen a Government-backed proof-of-age card as one of the most credible forms of ID when proof-of-age is asked for. "If this ID card would deliver that, then it could be beneficial.