Personally I think ID cards would be a huge waste of taxpayers money.The argument "well if you haven't done anything wrong, you haven't got anything to hide" is often used to justify them, however the problem with this argument is that it can be used to justify almost anything. I mean, why have ID cards? Why not have everyone chipped like a dog? It would certainly be more secure. "Why not? If you haven't done anything wrong, you haven't got anything to hide. "I also haven't heard any good explanation of what these cards are for other than pandering to the latest tabloid scare stories about illegal immigration or terrorism.France has ID cards and more illegal immigrants than the UK.Would ID cards have defeated terrorism in N Ireland? The security services knew exactly who the "players" were - catching them with evidence to convict was the problem.ID cards won't replace driving licenses or passports because they aren't intended or designed to do this. These documents will still exist as valid forms of identity. ID cards won't replace any other piece of plastic in your pocket - credit cards, supermarket loyalty cards, gym membership card, Oyster card, season ticket... so what are they for? Credit card fraud? Banks and credit card companies should produce more secure products - not get the taxpayer to pay for this. Benefit fraud? Why do we need a universal identity card for this?Another thing I've never understood is in countries where it is compulsory to carry ID, is there special dispensation for certain situations? If the police checked the French rugby team when they were playing in Stade de France, would they find ID cards in all the players' shorts?I think ID cards come from Mr Blunkett's authoritarian tendencies, stoked up by IT companies who can see big fat contracts.
Michael Robinson ● 7443d