Prime minister Gordon Brown has rejected growing calls for an end to the database state.

Brown defended the DNA database and proposed National Identity Scheme after former Tory shadow home secretary David Davis said they inflicted on civil liberties.

The systems are vital to protecting the country against fraud and terrorism, Brown insisted.

"Instead of rejecting the technologies of the modern world we should adopt them, while ensuring that the individual is properly protected against unfair or arbitrary treatment," he said.

Mr Brown was forced to devote a major speech to the issue after Davis resigned his seat as MP for Haltemprice and Howden in order to fight an election over the increase to 42 days in the maximum period a terrorist suspect can be held without charge.

Davis has widened the campaign to include opposition to the retention of DNA data by the police, ID cards and increased CCTV surveillance.

Labour will not contest the seat in a move Brown's critics say is designed to starve the debate of publicity.