David Blunkett is backing plans to introduce compulsory lie detector tests for convicted paedophiles.

Voluntary pilots are already underway in Sussex, Northumberland and the West Midlands, and the home secretary is seeking legislation to make the polygraphs mandatory in these areas.

The Home Office said the tests would be used as a "limited management tool" to monitor the behaviour of offenders, alongside other methods such as electronic tagging.

But the Sunday Times reported that senior members of the Cabinet were concerned about the plans.