David Blunkett announced plans yesterday which could see British citizens being forced to sign up to a system of "entitlement cards".

The plan, which would require everyone to enrol for a card but would not compel them to carry it at all times, has been given a mixed reception by politicians and the media.

The scheme would see everyone over 16 being registered on a "citizen database" - a move which could cost a family of four £144, according to press reports.

Costing up to £3.1 billion over 13 years, the plan has been attacked by civil liberties groups.

In his consultation paper, Blunkett put forward three options - a universal card, a voluntary system and a scheme for specific groups.

Oliver Letwin claimed the home secretary's announcement had been "clouded in spin".

Fleet Street is divided on the proposals, with the FT arguing against and the Mirror suggesting that decent law abiding citizens should have nothing to fear.

Writing for The Times, Blunkett argues that it is "perfectly possible to protect personal privacy and still establish our identities".

Meanwhile, The Times editorial claims "Blunkett faces an uphill task in selling his scheme".

The Guardian is sceptical of the cards, but urges readers to approach the consultation calmly, due to the voluntary nature of the cards.

"The world has moved on since the ID cards issued in the second world war were abolished in 1952," says the Guardian. "We have become a card-carrying society."

The Express reports that the cards will double the price of a passport.