Menu
14/02/2006
Government wins ID Cards Bill vote
The expected backbench rebellion failed to materialise last night as the controversial ID Cards Bill was passed by 31 votes in the House of Commons.
While 20 Labour MPs joined the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats in opposing the Bill, the Government victory means that the card will be issued along with passports in 2008. New legislation will be required before then to make the IC cards compulsory.
The Prime Minister, who missed what could have been a crucial Commons vote due to a plane problem in South Africa, has sought to play down the opposition to the Bill on the grounds of diminished civil liberties and said it was "just a sensible thing to do".
The Government saw off a Lords amendment that would have made the ID card scheme voluntary. An amendment from Frank Dobson to have a six-monthly report on the scheme was accepted without a vote.
The Lords main opposition to the Bill was based on the cost of the scheme and concern over provisions for security of stored personal data.
The cost of the card scheme and the associated database remains an area of contention, with some estimates placing the cost of the card at £300. Home Secretary Charles Clarke, however, put the stand alone cost of the high-tech cards at £30, which is expected to push the cost of a passport to £93.
The ID cards will store unique biometric data, such as fingerprints and iris scans, which can be compared with a national database of all adults in the UK.
Yesterday, the Chancellor Gordon Brown said that ID cards are vital in the fight against terrorism and identity fraud. He pointed out that terrorist often have multiple identities which means that they cannot be easily identified.
(SP)
While 20 Labour MPs joined the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats in opposing the Bill, the Government victory means that the card will be issued along with passports in 2008. New legislation will be required before then to make the IC cards compulsory.
The Prime Minister, who missed what could have been a crucial Commons vote due to a plane problem in South Africa, has sought to play down the opposition to the Bill on the grounds of diminished civil liberties and said it was "just a sensible thing to do".
The Government saw off a Lords amendment that would have made the ID card scheme voluntary. An amendment from Frank Dobson to have a six-monthly report on the scheme was accepted without a vote.
The Lords main opposition to the Bill was based on the cost of the scheme and concern over provisions for security of stored personal data.
The cost of the card scheme and the associated database remains an area of contention, with some estimates placing the cost of the card at £300. Home Secretary Charles Clarke, however, put the stand alone cost of the high-tech cards at £30, which is expected to push the cost of a passport to £93.
The ID cards will store unique biometric data, such as fingerprints and iris scans, which can be compared with a national database of all adults in the UK.
Yesterday, the Chancellor Gordon Brown said that ID cards are vital in the fight against terrorism and identity fraud. He pointed out that terrorist often have multiple identities which means that they cannot be easily identified.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 June 2005
ID cards bill survives Commons vote
The government’s controversial Identity Cards Bill has survived a House of Commons vote, in spite of a rebellion by some Labour backbenchers. Folowing the close vote Tony Blair said that he was prepared to "listen to concerns" about the ID card issue.
ID cards bill survives Commons vote
The government’s controversial Identity Cards Bill has survived a House of Commons vote, in spite of a rebellion by some Labour backbenchers. Folowing the close vote Tony Blair said that he was prepared to "listen to concerns" about the ID card issue.
25 May 2005
Government to re-introduce ID Cards Bill
The Government’s plan to introduce compulsory identity cards will be attempted for a second time following a trial of the 'biometric' ID card. Under the proposals UK citizens will be charged for the ID card on issue or renewal of a passport - this is likely to more than double in cost to £80.
Government to re-introduce ID Cards Bill
The Government’s plan to introduce compulsory identity cards will be attempted for a second time following a trial of the 'biometric' ID card. Under the proposals UK citizens will be charged for the ID card on issue or renewal of a passport - this is likely to more than double in cost to £80.
14 October 2005
ID cards to cost £30
A stand-alone identity card will cost £30, Home Secretary Charles Clarke has announced. However, a combined passport and ID card is currently estimated to cost £93. Announcing the ID card cost in Parliament, Mr Clarke said: “No-one who wants to protect their identity need pay more.
ID cards to cost £30
A stand-alone identity card will cost £30, Home Secretary Charles Clarke has announced. However, a combined passport and ID card is currently estimated to cost £93. Announcing the ID card cost in Parliament, Mr Clarke said: “No-one who wants to protect their identity need pay more.
28 June 2005
ID cards bill returns to the Commons
MPs are due to vote later today on the government’s controversial plans to introduce identity cards. A small number of Labour MPs are expected to vote against the scheme, which is already opposed by both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.
ID cards bill returns to the Commons
MPs are due to vote later today on the government’s controversial plans to introduce identity cards. A small number of Labour MPs are expected to vote against the scheme, which is already opposed by both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.
18 September 2013
Convicted Paedophile Loses Legal Challenge Over Bank Details
A convicted paedophile has lost a legal challenge in the High Court over rules requiring him to disclose bank details to police.
Convicted Paedophile Loses Legal Challenge Over Bank Details
A convicted paedophile has lost a legal challenge in the High Court over rules requiring him to disclose bank details to police.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
