Legislation to introduce identity cards formed the centrepiece of yesterday's "crime and security" Queen's Speech.

A range of measures were set out to tackle issues from anti-social behaviour to serious organised crime.

Opposition parties said the government was trying to exploit a "climate of fear", but Tony Blair warned that al Qaeda still poses a real threat.

Commons leader Peter Hain, however, appeared to indicate that there was a political aspect to the legislative plans.

"We are crowding out any space for [the Conservatives] on the security agenda and that will make for an interesting political year," he told journalists.

Conservative chairman Liam Fox accused ministers of exploiting fears of terrorism. "I think that is quite despicable, but it is a desperate government," he said.

Charles Kennedy, the Liberal Democrat leader, accused David Blunkett of undermining British liberal opinion.

"Britain today is a much more liberal society in its attitudes and aspirations. The home secretary seems to have lost that plot or indeed is seeking to undermine that development," he said.

Over 30 bills were set out in the Queen's speech to parliament, but many are not expected to make it onto the statute book before the next general election.

Other bills will enable a referendum on the European Union constitution, reform regulation of the voluntary sector and overhaul consumer credit laws.

Minority groups are akso to gain extra protection against discrimination, while news that legislation on corporate manslaughter will only be published in draft form angered union leaders.