Blunkett facing backbench revolt over proposal for national system of ID cards

David Blunkett will face bitter opposition from MPs and civil liberties groups over hugely controversial proposals for a national system of identify cards, due to be announced this week.

The Home Secretary will publish a consultation paper outlining a range of ideas for a new "entitlement card" as part of his efforts to stimulate a national debate on the issue.

The Home Office is currently introducing a system of high-technology identify cards for asylum-seekers, due to be completed by October as part of efforts to cut down on fraud and illegal immigration.

Senior Home Office sources made clear the consultation paper would not contain firm proposals, but would outline options and ask for views. Proposals to make carrying an identity card compulsory were not being considered, the sources said.

The plans are likely to focus on cards that can be used for benefits and other public services. But civil liberties groups fear that any national system of identity cards will extend the power of the state too far.

Opposition against the proposals is being co-ordinated by Charter 88 and Liberty and includes dozens of MPs ranging from right-wing Tories to Labour left-wingers. Seventy-four MPs, including 27 Labour backbenchers, have signed a Commons motion opposing compulsory ID cards.

A spokeswoman for Charter 88 said: "Our problem is that without a written constitution and a Bill of Rights we have no protection against government encroaching on our privacy."

Peter Lilley, a former Tory social security secretary, warned yesterday that compulsory ID cards would "criminalise many thousands of absent-minded , forgetful and inefficient people". Writing in The Observer, he said: "There is every difference between cards we carry voluntarily and being compelled to carry one. If you carry your credit card it is an inconvenience. But if you step out of your home without your compulsory ID you would commit a criminal offence."

A Home Office source said: "People are stuck in the wrong frame of mind about this. This won't be a White Paper saying this is what we want to do. It is not that sort of paper."