Labour's election campaign will not play on the public's fear of terrorism, according to home secretary David Blunkett.

Speaking at a Progress think tank event on Saturday, Blunkett emphasised that taking tough security measures was important but the government must "promote our policies by persuasion, not panic".

After speculation that Tony Blair was considering running on a "security and opportunity" ticket, the home secretary said: "People do not open their hearts and minds and hear messages, particularly progressive messages, if underpinning that, subliminally, is a fear of what's happening around them.

"So, we want to win an election based on hope, not fear, but knowing that you don't give people hope by dismissing their fears."

He also defended his proposed identity cards and tighter border controls as vital not only for security but to reassure people the government was doing all it could to prevent terrorists striking Britain.

"They are pre-emptive in the sense that we live in a rapidly changing world where people's fears are greater, not just in terms of terrorism, but fear in their own neighbourhood and community."

"We've been able to establish stability and security in terms of the economy and people's economic family life," he added.

"We need to be able to do that in their immediate environment, internationally and in dealing with terrorism."

"My job is to enable us to win the election, whenever is it, based on optimism, not fear because we can point sensibly and calmly to the measures we are taking to enhance our security and strengthen our borders."

However opposition politicians attacked the plans, with Liberal Democrats home affairs spokesman Mark Oaten saying identity cards were a red herring which would not prevent terrorist attacks.