Labour's faulty ID cards scheme to be forced onto public
February 14, 2006 11:43 AM
Cllr Andrew Waller (City of York Council deputy Leader) is disappointed that Labour's costly and illiberal ID cards bill was accepted by the House of Commons last night. MPs from the Liberal Democrats were narrowly defeated by Labour MPs determined to see every citizen signed up to a national database.
Cllr Waller said "I am extremely concerned about this piece of legislation. Firstly, the scheme will not be able to protect citizens from terrorism, identity fraud or benefit fraud. Even the Labour government accepts that the cards could not prevent another attack like that in London on July 7th 2005.
"The cards will be very expensive, and IT companies must be rubbing their hands at the prospect of the enormous contracts coming their way. Independent estimates have suggested that the cost of the database could reach £19 billion. This money would be better invested in our police forces, to boost crime prevention.
"This legislation will see large amounts of personal information stored on a national register, with individuals being unable to control who can access their records.
"The Liberal Democrats have opposed ID cards from the start, seeing them for what they are - a total waste of money and a huge loss of personal freedom. I hope that the public receive these cards with the same lack of enthusiasm they showed for the Poll Tax."
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