The Tories have called on the government to support new legislation designed to protect anyone from prosecution if they use force to defend their home from intruders.

David Davis, the shadow home secretary, has pledged party support for the Tory homeland security spokesman Patrick Mercer, who will introduce legislation to protect householders who use all but "grossly disproportionate" force to fight off intruders.

Currently, people are only allowed to use "reasonable force" to defend their property.

Davis said: "If a criminal breaks into their home and attacks them, people should be able to use the necessary force required to defend themselves, their families and property, without the threat of criminal prosecution. At present, the law is unclear and fails to give homeowners this protection."

Meanwhile the Times reports that the Tories are also set to mount a push against cyclists who speak on their mobile phone while behind the handlebars.