Controversial proposals to bring in a type of identity card in the UK are to be published on Wednesday by Home Secretary David Blunkett.

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Opponents of ID cards, ranging from civil liberty groups to MPs from each of the main parties, have already attacked plans for benefits "entitlement cards".

Mr Blunkett, who faced a barrage of opposition after suggesting ID cards in the wake of 11 September, is expected to announce a six month consultation process on the proposals.

This will allow the government to test the appetite for the new cards and try to come up with a way to meet critics' concerns.

Senior Labour MP David Winnick has already warned that the home secretary risks opposition from across the political spectrum over the planned card.

Since 1952 we have managed successfully in peacetime conditions not to have such a decision David Winnick

And writing in a Sunday newspaper, former Conservative cabinet minister Peter Lilley pointed out that when the Tories had tried to introduce benefits ID cards the police said it would do nothing to help them in their jobs.

But a Home Office spokesman said that it was "ridiculous" to reject plans that had not even been published.

Home affairs select committee member Mr Winnick said: "Since 1952 we have managed successfully in peacetime conditions not to have such a decision.

"If the government insists, it will carry the day but I think there will be quite a lot of opposition from all parties."

Mr Lilley said he rejected the idea when he was social security secretary in the Conservative government during the 1990s.

The "entitlement" cards would be used to clamp down on fraud by checking rights to receive NHS treatment, education and state benefits.

Logistical difficulties

It is thought that it would not be compulsory to carry the card.

David Blunkett wants consultation exercise

Mr Lilley said: "If it were not compulsory to carry one's ID, that would render the whole scheme pointless.

Computerised cards could store a photograph, finger prints and personal information including name and address.

Outlining his proposals in February this year, Mr Blunkett said: "We have made it clear that the introduction of an entitlement card would be a major step and that we will not proceed without consulting widely and considering all the views expressed very carefully.

"There are many arguments - both philosophical and practical - for and against a scheme."

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