The Government is considering compulsory ID cardss.
The security argument' is a flimsy excuse - ID cards wouldn't have stopped the New York suicide bombers, and will not deter criminals who can easily steal or forge them. Instead, they will inconvenience millions of ordinary people and threaten our civil liberties.
Ministers have, in fact, been considering them well before recent events. Computer Weekly (13.1.2000) reported that high in the Passport Agency's priorities was a "photocard passport" by 2002, subject to ministerial and European agreement.
Also, government officials undertook to participate "as necessary" in any work concerning national identity cards and refused to comment on ruling out legislation.
By coincidence, the Government then committed to a Europe-wide programme to introduce personal smart cards - multi-use cards to get NHS treatment, pay for road use, etc.
Where was the public consultation?
The cost of introducing ID cards has been estimated towards £500m plus £100m every year.
That's money that won't be going into public services. It means foregoing several major new hospitals, tens of thousands of operations and decent pay for our nurses.
After public protest, Australia, New Zealand and the USA all dropped plans for ID cards. Readers should lobby their Member of Parliament before it's too late and send a SAE for our free fact sheet c/o PO Box 13199, London, SW6 6ZU.
Brian Mooney
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article