GOVERNMENT'S STEALTHY INTRODUCTION OF ID CARDS CONTINUES

The Government are continuing to plough ahead with plans for ID Cards. They are being introduced a step at a time using phrases like "beacon areas" and "protection" to make them seem attractive.

The human rights group Liberty is concerned that although the cards do not appear compulsory the Secretary of State can get some people to register by proscribing certain groups. For example many thousands of foreign nationals will have had ID cards issued by April 2009.

The intrusive scheme will cost every UK taxpayer at least £200. The combined ID/passport will cost at least £90 but as with other Government schemes the eventual cost is likely to be far more.

Liberal Democrats are opposed to the introduction of ID cards. Party Leader Nick Clegg has said that he will refuse to carry one.

ID cards do not prevent terrorism - the Madrid bombers had valid ID cards. The USA and Australia have large problems of identity theft because many systems depend on people having one ID number.

ID cards will cost the UK billions. Liberal Democrats believe that the money would be used more effectively if spent on providing police on our streets and equipping them to fight crime more effectively.