EXACTLY how are compulsory identity cards going to protect me against terrorist attacks? Are they going to be so big that we will be able to hide behind them if we are under threat?

Exactly who will be able to demand that we produce them and will the police b e allowed to make random checks?

Terrorists rarely go round advertising their activities, so how will they be recognised? Will there be a box to tick under 'Occupation' so that it can be printed in big red letters on their card?

Most terrorists, it is claimed, are foreigners. Therefore, the only way ID cards can serve any useful purpose is if all tourists and businessmen entering the country are also made to obtain one before entry.

Come on, Mr Blunkett, don't treat us like idiots, tell us the real reasons you want us to surrender some of our civil liberties.

L LAWES, Bold Street, Blackburn.