Wednesday, May 18 2005 08:33 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London: British Government will introduce further legislation to tighten the immigration and asylum system keeping in view the economic interests of the country, Queen Elizabeth II said yesterday (May 17,2005).

"Legislation will be taken forward to introduce an identity cards scheme and further legislation will be introduced to tighten the immigration and asylum system in a way that is fair, flexible, and in the economic interests of the country," the Queen said in her speech, delivered amid the pomp and pageantry of the House of Lords.

The measures announced included an asylum and immigration bill with powers to fast-track asylum applications, detain asylum claimants for 24 hours while their claims are processed and impose civil penalties on employers who hire illegal immigrants.

There would also be plans to "continue the fight against terrorism in the United Kingdom and elese where," the Queen said, adding measures expected include a law creating new criminal offences of "acts preparatory to terrorism" and "glorifying or condoning terrorism".

Through her speech, Prime Minister Tony Blair, has set out his "reform and respect" agenda with an ambitious drive for 45 Bills to be pushed through the first Parliamentary session of his third term in power.

Security and counter-terrorism measures feature strongly, with a renewed commitment to push ahead with the controversial ID cards Bill.

The passage of the ID card bill through Parliament is likely to be Blair's first big test of party discipline with his newly reduced majority in the House of Commons, 67 since the election, down from 167 at the 2001 polls.

The measure is aimed at combating people who fraudulently obtain state benefits but is also part of the Government's broader fight against terrorism, following the 2001 terror attacks.

It allows for the phased introduction of ID cards designed to combat benefit fraud. It will also include a new offence of having false identity documents.

Opponents on the Labour benches have predicted an early showdown to test Blair's third term mettle.

Blair in his speech yesterday defended plans for ID cards and said they should be introduced as soon as possible for "foreign nationals entering Britain on more than a short term visa".

A Violent Crime Bill will include tougher laws on the sale of replica firearms, raising the minimum wage on knife purchases from 16 to 18, and powers for head-teachers to search pupils for knives.

There will also be a new offence of using children or innocent parties to hide or carry knives or guns.

The Queen's speech confirmed plans for police to be able to impose Alcohol Disorder Zones to combat binge-drinking areas.

On immigration and asylum, the speech confirms plans for a new Bill including provisions to fingerprint visa applicants and introduce hi-tech travel documents.