Opposition parties in the Lords have again defeated the government on its identity cards legislation.

For the fourth time, peers rejected a government bid to ensure that from 2008 any passport applicant must also have their details entered on the proposed national identity register

The Liberal Democrats and Conservatives instead voted through a "compromise" measure which would delay the link until 2012.

It was the fourth time that ministers have been defeated on their proposals in the upper house.

The Identity Cards Bill will now return to the Commons, where MPs can be expected to reinstate the government's policy.

The continuing battle between the two houses of parliament has seen MPs repeatedly vote in favour of the link between passports and ID cards.

But Conservative and Liberal Democrat peers have rejected the move, saying it breaches a Labour manifesto commitment only to introduce "voluntary" ID cards.

"Our compromise amendment will mean that no one will be compelled to have an ID card when obtaining a passport before 2012," Lib Dem home affairs spokesman Lord Phillips said ahead of the debate.

"This delay will allow the political parties to make clear where they stand on this fundamental issue at the next election.

"In the meantime, anyone will be able to voluntarily take out an ID card.

"In five years time it will be much clearer what the effects of this scheme will be in terms of cost, technology and public opinion."