The Independent reports that Blair is planning a short autumn session of Parliament. This is to allow a clear run to next year's General Election.

In the limited time available, Blair has reportedly asked Ministers to prioritise two Bills: The Europe Bill and Big Blunkett's discredited ID Card Bill.

So expect every political trick in the book to be used to get the Bill through both Houses with a minimum of reasoned debate.

It is often said that rushed legislation is bad legislation. When legislation starts out as badly as Blunkett's ID Card scheme and is then rushed it can only get worse.

The imposition of ID Cards on innocent British citizens is a major constitutional change for which the Government has no mandate. Any vote on such a controversial issue must be a free vote.

To rush it through Parliament in this way would be an insult not just to the British public but also to democracy.

Cross-posted from The Chestnut Tree Cafe