Labour celebrates defection

As MPs filed in to vote on ID cards, Labour was celebrating the defection of a leading Liberal Democrat activist, Graeme Smith.

Mr Smith, 28, declared his support for the policy, which has united his former party in hostility. He has been a Liberal Democrat from 14, and was candidate in Loughborough at the last election. He said he joined Labour because of the "big picture", despite his opposition to the Iraq war. "I find myself ... thinking actually things are pretty good ... and we should support the Government," he said.