The British government is considering introducing compulsory identity cards as part of a new crackdown on terror. The Home Secretary, Mr David Blunkett, has signalled that a raft of new anti-terrorist measures under consideration could bring British law into conflict with the European Convention on Human Rights.
Mr Blunkett confirmed that a number of emergency bills were being prepared but dismissed suggestions this would occasion the recall of parliament over the next three weeks. MPs remain on stand-by for a second recall to Westminster once the Prime Minister commits British forces to any American-led military action.
While insisting Britain could not give America a "blank cheque" to take any action it considered necessary, the Liberal Democrat leader, Mr Charles Kennedy, yesterday cautioned delegates to temper any criticism of President Bush or the US during this week's party conference in Bournemouth.
Mr Kennedy confirmed he had considered cancelling the conference in light of the events of September 11th but decided this would effectively mean handing victory to the terrorists.
"It is business as usual," he told the BBC's Breakfast with Frost programme, "but the tone and dignity and decorum of the conference has obviously been altered, as has the agenda, to reflect the terrible events happening internationally."
Mr Blunkett, meanwhile, confirmed those events could have far-reaching implications for the law and civil liberties in Britain. Draconian anti-terrorist laws are expected to increase police powers of arrest and to abolish some rights of judicial appeal for immigrants turned away at UK airports.
On the BBC's On The Record programme, Mr Blunkett said: "There will be tensions between the European Convention on Human Rights and the necessary protection that we seek", but stressed the need to balance the fight against terrorism with the freedoms of democracy.