Blair pledges to 'end digital divide' if re-elected

Prime Minister Tony Blair has committed a future Labour government to providing broadband access for all during a next term of office.

Blair told delegates at the Labour Party conference that if re-elected in the General Election, expected next year, he wants to 'end the digital divide' and ensure broadband is available to every home that wants it by 2008.

The pledge is part of a list of 10 things Labour will provide if elected for a third consecutive term.

And technology will also play a crucial role in a new Labour government in tackling terrorism.

'We will introduce ID cards and electronic registration of all who cross our borders,' said Blair.

The registration programme is likely to be part of the eBorders project, which was revealed by Computing earlier this year (Computing, 13 May).

eBorders will electronically track every person crossing UK borders to help fight crime, terrorism and illegal immigration. Ultimately the details of every arrival and departure will be recorded, so checks can be made on when and where a given individual arrived in and left the UK.