The Independent reports that Michael Howard is facing a rift in his party over ID cards.

Backbench MPs are urging the Tory leader to oppose the government's plans, however shadow home secretary David Davis is set to publish five "tests" that the policy must pass before it gets his backing.

An ICM poll has found 81 per cent support for ID cards, with Tory voters most in favour.

But a frontbench MP said: "Michael Howard has been instinctively in favour of this, but a large body of the party is concerned about civil liberties...with a general election coming up, people need a firm policy."