Blair wins ID card vote

The British government won a Commons vote on Monday making it compulsory for people to be given ID cards - and put on a register - when they apply for passports.

The Blair government prevailed by 310 to 279 votes, a majority of 31 in the vote which is seen as a test of the authority since Blair became prime minister.

The plans, rejected by peers last month, will now go back before the House of Lords.

Tories warned of "creeping compulsion" and Lib Dems said the " fight against compulsory ID cards" would go on, according to a BBC report.

Earlier, MPs approved a measure requiring new legislation before ID cards are made compulsory for all.

The government compromise plan, put forward to avoid a Labor backbench rebellion, was passed without a vote.

Later, MPs backed plans to put people applying for passports from 2008 on the ID cards register by a majority of 31.

They then decided by a majority of 51 to ensure all applicants are given cards.

Blair will face further tests this week with votes on controversial plans for a smoking ban and tougher anti-terror laws.

Source: Xinhua