LONDON – Prime Minister Blair yesterday unveiled plans to shake up Britain’s welfare state, tackle terrorism, and introduce Britain’s first national ID card since World War II – a challenging third term agenda that could spark revolt in his restive Labor Party and test his authority.

Mr. Blair’s lead in Parliament was slashed in this month’s election and he may struggle to push the packed program of 45 bills through Parliament over the next 18 months.

One of the most contentious proposals is for a national ID card carrying biometric details such as fingerprints or iris scans, which opponents fear would erode civil liberties.

“An ID card scheme will take time to set up. It is essential that we begin now,” said Mr. Blair, addressing the opening session of the new Parliament. “I urge other parties to think carefully before opposing what is necessary for our security, to combat fraud, to tackle illegal immigration, and which the new technology makes the obvious policy for security in the times in which we live.”

Mr. Blair said his agenda would safeguard Britain’s economic stability, continue investment in schools and hospitals, and “protect our citizens from terrorism and crime.”

It is likely to be a turbulent parliamentary session, however. A group of rebellious Labor lawmakers are unhappy with Mr. Blair’s leadership and could vote with opposition parties against key pieces of legislation.

Potential flashpoints include the ID cards, new anti-terrorism legislation, an overhaul of welfare payments for the sick and disabled, and a law that makes inciting religious hatred a crime.

Conservative leader Michael Howard accused Blair of more “fizzy rhetoric” and said his party would hold the prime minister “to account for the promises he has made to the British people.”

National ID cards will be a priority. The government wants to set up a National Identity Register, containing biometric details of every British citizen.

“In addition we need ID cards as soon as possible for foreign nationals entering Britain on more than a short term visa,” Mr. Blair added. No timeline was given for introducing the cards for either Britons or foreigners.

The government also revived plans, first floated after the attacks of September 11, 2001, for making incitement to religious hatred a crime. Ministers say the law would protect minorities from bias and target extremists who use religion to stir up tension. Opponents, who have already forced the government to drop the plans twice, fear it could undermine freedom of speech.

The agenda, unveiled in a tradition-laden ceremony by Queen Elizabeth II, also includes a draft Counterterrorism Bill, which intends to make it easier to secure terrorist convictions.