Writing in the Telegraph, Tony Blair argues that all immigrants will have to show an identity card in order to access jobs, public services or benefits.

"This will enable us, for the first time, to check accurately those coming into the country, their eligibility to work, for free hospital treatment or to claim benefits," he writes.

The prime minister says the change will come into effect with the start of the ID card scheme in 2008 and will have public support.

"It was very clear from last week's arguments about surveillance and the DNA database that the public, when anyone bothers to ask them, are overwhelmingly behind CCTV being used to catch or deter hooligans or DNA being used to track down those who have committed horrific crimes," he says.

"That's what surveys suggest, too, about their position on ID cards."