Tony Blair has said the Queen's Speech will build on the government's existing record of tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.

In a keynote Commons address, the prime minister said Labour had delivered higher living standards for every section of the population.

But he admitted that there were still problems needing to be tackled such as the MRSA "superbug" in NHS hospitals.

Blair told MPs that despite some challenges, things were getting better in the health service with shorter waiting lists and improved treatments.

"After years in which the NHS was run down... we now have the National Health Service on its way back thanks to investment and reform under this government," he said.

The prime minister said the Queen's Speech should be considered alongside the five year plans being announced by government department's and the forthcoming pre-Budget report from chancellor Gordon Brown.

Controversial

The Commons heard the legislative programme builds on earlier laws designed to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

Blair insisted the most controversial measures like the introduction of ID cards, which have drawn fire from human rights campaigners, were necessary to protect the public.

On identity cards he said: "This is a big change, but frankly with terrorism, illegal immigration and organised crime operating with so much greater sophistication identity cards in my judgement are long overdue.

"It is said that these measures are scaremongering. It's true that there are record number of police, it is true that overall crime is falling.

"But the fact is that the threats faced by this country and every other major country are real, there are still far too many victims of crime, and I am determined to build on the success of the anti-social behaviour legislation to ensure we have respect and responsibility back on the streets and communities of Britain."

Turning to the Conservatives, the prime minister said they would be "dangerous" if they took office after the next election.

"It would be back to the failed policies of the past," he said.