ID cards 'would not stop blasts'

Scotsman | July 09 2005

ID CARDS would not have prevented four bombings on the London transport system, Home Secretary Charles Clarke has admitted. The Government will not use the attacks to press its case for introducing new anti-terrorist legislation.

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And Mr Clarke has refused to try and justify the need for controversial ID cards, by claiming they will prevent a repeat of Thursday's killings.

There has been some surprise in Whitehall that he made the admission so quickly, especially as shadow home secretary David Davies reiterated the Conservatives' opposition to the proposals.

But it is understood the Government is keen not to be seen to be attempting to make political gain out of the atrocities.