Identity cards set to be scrapped
The BBC News (U.K.)
May 12, 2010
Identity cards will be scrapped under plans announced by the new Conservative and Lib Dem coalition government, new Home Secretary Theresa May has said.
Their abolition is among measures the parties have agreed to reverse what they say was 'the substantial erosion' of civil liberties in recent years.
Other proposals include reforms to the DNA database, tighter regulation of CCTV and a review of libel laws.
Labour claims ID cards help tackle benefit fraud and identity theft.
The Tories and Lib Dems have both opposed ID cards from the outset, arguing they are expensive, intrusive and have done little to tackle the most serious threats to society such as terrorism and organised crime.
In a statement, the Home Office said it would announce 'in due course' how the process of rescinding ID cards and the accompanying National Identity Register would move forward.
Until Parliament passes legislation banning them, ID cards remain valid and people can still apply for them. Migrant workers from outside the EU and thousands of British citizens in the North-West of England, where the scheme was being piloted, have already been issued with cards.
Home Office officials said they would advise anyone thinking of applying to wait for further announcements.
Compulsory ID cards were introduced for foreign nationals in 2008. However, attempts to require certain workers in sensitive roles, such as airport workers, to have them ran into trouble.
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/election_2010/8679072.stm
