Posted on 07/03/2002 5:29:04 AM PDT by mountaineer
Controversial proposals to bring in a type of identity card in the UK are to be published by Home Secretary David Blunkett.
Opponents of ID cards, ranging from civil liberty groups to MPs from each of the main parties, have already attacked plans for benefits "entitlement cards".
Mr Blunkett, who faced a barrage of opposition after suggesting ID cards in the wake of 11 September, is expected to announce a six month consultation process on the proposals.
Ministers say they are neutral about the idea and want to hear the public's opinions. The consultation will allow the government to test the appetite for the new cards and try to come up with a way to meet critics' concerns.
Mr Blunkett is seen as an enthusiast for the scheme, which two police organisations - the Superintendents' Association and the Police Federation - say would help them do their job.
Senior Labour MP David Winnick has already warned that the home secretary risks opposition from across the political spectrum over the planned card.
Former Conservative cabinet minister Peter Lilley has pointed out that he considered the idea in the 1990s but rejected it after police said it would not help them.
Tory shadow home secretary Oliver Letwin says he supports entitlement cards to stop benefit fraud but would be worried if the government went further.
A Home Office spokesman said that it was "ridiculous" to reject plans that had not even been published.
Commons home affairs select committee member Mr Winnick said: "Since 1952 we have managed successfully in peacetime conditions not to have such a decision.
"If the government insists, it will carry the day but I think there will be quite a lot of opposition from all parties."
The "entitlement" cards would be used to clamp down on fraud by checking rights to receive NHS treatment, education and state benefits.
It is thought that it would not be compulsory to carry the card - something critics say would render the scheme pointless.
Computerised cards could store a photograph, finger prints and personal information including name and address.
Outlining his proposals in February this year, Mr Blunkett said introducing the cards would be a "major step" and would need wide consultation.
"There are many arguments - both philosophical and practical - for and against a scheme," said Mr Blunkett.
Chris Mullin, chairman of the Commons home affairs select committee, said he was not ideologically opposed to the idea.
But the government had to show it was worth spending £700m on the scheme, Mr Mullin told BBC News.
Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Simon Hughes said the government was entitled to start a debate about the merits and problems of ID cards.
"But we must beware the superficial attractions of this latest populist idea from a frequently populist Labour administration," said Mr Hughes.
It was possible the cards would become no more of a guarantee against fraud than passports were against criminals in the 20th century, warned Mr Hughes.
The Child Poverty Action Group has expressed deep concern about any moves towards ID cards for people claiming welfare benefits.
Group spokesman Martin Barnes said that any such plan "clearly singles out those who are most vulnerable".
... citizens from 11 out of the 15 nations of the European Union carry ID cards as a part of everyday life.
The Brits need this big time. I hope the people let their leaders hear a loud "aye."
And the cards will never accomplish what was claimed, anyway. During the issuing process, there will be tremendous pressure to be politically correct, and issue cards to everyone, even the illegals who shouldn't be there. There will also be great opportunities for bribery, as we have seen in many cases here in the US.
"Identity cards" are a great opportunity for terrorists to gain an ironclad identity that makes things safer for them, because nobody is going to deport Abdul just because he can't prove who he really is. These cards will just be a danger to everybody's freedom, while making the job of long-term "sleepers" easier. It's just a false sense of security that plays into the statists' hands.
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