More than half the government's legislative programme is likely to be lost as the opposition parties exploit the prime minister's determination to hold the general election on May 5.

As many as 15 bills are expected to be dropped after Tony Blair asks the Queen to dissolve parliament, which is expected on Tuesday.

Ministers know that if they press too fiercely they risk an unimpressive end to the session and a poor start for the election itself.

Charles Clarke has signalled that he is likely to lose the ID card legislation and is set to drop proposals on incitment to racial hatred.

The home secretary has that voters would be angry if legislation on ID cards and religious hatred are not rushed through before the dissolution.

Clarke has attacked opposition parties for delaying the new measures and has argued it will cost them votes when the country goes to the polls.