Howard: Attacks on Labour continue

Michael Howard mounted one of his fiercest attacks yet on Tony Blair, saying the prime minister has undermined "the sense of fair play central to Britain's identity".

In a speech in the key marginal constituency of Watford he listed a litany of problems for which the prime minister was responsible.

"A convicted murderer used Mr Blair’s Human Rights Act to demand hardcore pornography in jail – and won," he said.

"Do you know anyone who thinks that’s right? I don’t – yet things like this seem to keep happening.

"In his desire to please everyone, Mr Blair has undermined Britain’s values and with it the sense of fair play that’s so central to our national identity."

Howard said voters will "face a clear choice at the election".

"A choice between a Conservative Government which upholds the law and Mr Blair who turns a blind eye when the rules are bent or abused," he added.

"Mr Blair never tires of saying he’s for the many not the few. Well that’s not how it looks to the rest of us."