ID cards: Backed by Sir Ian Blair

The London Labour Party has hit back at claims the Capital's police chief should not enter political debate during the election campaign.

Party chairman Len Duvall said on Tuesday that Sir Ian Blair had proved his independence and should be allowed to comment on important matters.

The Metropolitan Police commissioner was criticised earlier in the week for backing ID cards, following the collapse of a trial of terrorist suspects.

Conservative Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) member Richard Barnes told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the timing of his remarks was ill-judged.

"I think it is highly inappropriate during a general election that a senior police officer should make a political comment," he said.

But Duvall, who doubles as chairman of the MPA, said it was right for the public to know where the country's most senior policeman stood.

"Richard Barnes' comments just illustrate how the Tories are running scared on ID cards," he said

"Anybody that knows Ian Blair, will be in no doubt about his impartiality.

"I think it is quite right for Britain's most senior policeman to focus on the issues that matter.

"Rather than attacking the police, the Tories would be better off deciding where they stand on ID cards."

Labour is committed to reintroducing legislation paving the way for ID cards if it wins a third term.

The Conservatives say the plans need more consideration, although the party is not objecting to them in principle.