Iris scan ID trial takes off

Preparations to introduce controversial biometric identity cards in the UK using iris, face and fingerprint recognition, are under way.

Heathrow airport is carrying out the first full voluntary trial of the optical ID system on travellers, which involves photographing their irises to help quicken the immigration control procedure.

If the trial is a success it is expected to be extended to Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham airports by the end of the year.

Tony Blair's Commons majority of 67 was reduced to 31 when 20 Labour MPs last week voted against proposals to bring in a voluntary ID card by 2008.

Proponents say the cards will ensure greater national security, while critics say they are expensive, unnecessary and intrusive.

The Home Office predicts the cost of introducing cards and passports over 10 years will be £5.8m. Home secretary Charles Clarke has promised to cap costs, but according to the FT this assurance does not include biometric passports, which account for two-thirds of the scheme.

ID cards are currently used in about a dozen EU countries, although they are not always compulsory.

'Biometrics will be increasingly used across the world as a more secure method of verifying identity,' immigration minister Tony McNulty told The Times.

However, former Home Office minister John Denham said: 'I think the Government is going to have to make a number of changes to its approach to the Bill.'

Chairman of the Campaign Group of left-wing MPs John McDonnell added: 'The Campaign Group is doing all it can to ensure that the legislation we end up with does not infringe civil liberties or impose unacceptable costs.'