Leaked Whitehall papers reveal that Margaret Beckett, the environment secretary, is resisting the construction of new plants even though officials say they are needed to help cut greenhouse gas emissions.

A 46-page briefing by civil servants to Alan Johnson, the incoming secretary for productivity, energy and industry, warns that Beckett will oppose any attempt to bring the nuclear option back on the agenda. However, her views are likely to clash with those of No 10, which is keen to begin a debate knowing that the government must decide by the end of the decade whether new plants need to be built to shore up the country’s energy supplies.

A Downing Street adviser said: “You will see over the next few weeks how we are going to push ahead with the solution to Britain’s energy problems and ensure security of supply in the future.

“The prime minister will foster a major public debate around the nuclear issue and this is the right thing to do.”

The price of oil is making the problem more pressing. But the appointment of Johnson is seen as a significant step by industry insiders. He is regarded as a practical politician who will be alive to the nuclear issue.

Other issues that Blair is determined to pursue include the identity cards bill, even though it is likely to be the first casualty of the government’s reduced majority.

It will be in the Queen’s speech this month in line with the party’s manifesto pledge. The attempt to push the bill through will be a first test of how rebellious the party’s “awkward squad” will be.

Should the bill be defeated, ministers are ready to blame the Tories for blocking a “vital anti-terrorist measure”.

The speech, expected towards the end of the month, will also see the return of the child contact bill, which gives parents the right to see children after a break-up and puts in place penalties for those mothers and fathers who refuse to comply with its measures.

There will also be a bill to combat the MRSA bug by bringing in a legal duty of care on hospital managers to keep hospitals clean.

The prime minister will attempt to sort out asylum abuse by introducing an asylum and immigration bill. This is intended to speed up applications and will introduce a points system for work permit applicants from overseas.

David Blunkett, now the work and pensions secretary, met a delegation of people protesting about pensions yesterday. Hundreds marched in London to object to the way workers can often lose their pension entitlement when firms go bust.

The event, organised by the Amicus union, was addressed by Melvyn Bragg, a Labour life peer who turned 65 last October.

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