Government should abandon ID Card plans

10.07.56am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 18th Aug 2005

no2id logo - the anti-identity card (id card) and national identity database campaign

The government has admitted that it has been guilty of "overselling" the case for a compulsory national identity card scheme in Britain and conceded that it will not prove a panacea for fraud, terrorism or the abuse of public services.

Tony McNulty, the Home Office minister now responsible for identity cards, has also admitted that "in its enthusiasm" the government mistakenly emphasised the benefits to the state rather than arguing its benefits to the individual citizen.

Mark Oaten, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary said "It is refreshing to see such honesty from a Government Minister. The money for the Government's flawed ID card plans would be far better spent on more police and better border controls. The Home Office should abandon their plans before they waste any more of Parliament's time and taxpayers' money."