But any perception of this application being speeded up requires me to take responsibility.

I have built my reputation on honesty, I have sometimes been too honest.

I regret the time and resources needed to undertake this but... it is right to lay this accusation to rest.

We have put over £2bn in the last three years into counter-terrorism and we are developing the electronic border surveillance and identity cards

When I'm in London I do have the convenience of being close to St James Park which is also good for me because it gives me an excuse to get out and get some much needed exercise!

I said it's impossible to have an amnesty without ID cards and a clean database, because you firstly don't have any incentives for people to actually come up front and register, and make themselves available, and secondly you have no means of tracking them.

I don't think anyone can say I have said one thing in public and done another in private.