Blair Introduces National ID Card Plan

Prime Minister Tony Blair unveiled plans Tuesday to tackle terrorism and introduce Britain's first national ID card since World War II, detailing an ambitious legislative agenda that set him on a collision course with members of his Labour Party.

Blair defended plans for national identity cards and said they should be introduced soon for 'foreign nationals entering Britain on more than a short-term visa.' The agenda for the next 18 months likely will test Blair's authority because he was re-elected this month with a severely reduced majority in Parliament.