One step closer to compulsory ID cards

Prime Minister Tony Blair's Government has won a key early vote on legislation to require Britons to have identification cards for the first time in more than half a century.

The bill, promoted by the Government as a weapon against terrorism, cleared its second reading by 385 votes to 93.

"A secure identity scheme will help to prevent terrorist activity, more than a third of which makes use of false identities," said Home Secretary Charles Clarke.