Menu
06/05/2009
Top Retailers In Talks Over ID Cards
High street retailers are in talks with the Government about taking photographs and fingerprints for the national identity card scheme, the Home Secretary announced today.
The decision to use high street shops - like chemists, post offices and photo shops - comes as figures released show the cost of the project has risen by more than £200 million to over £5.3 billion.
That figure excludes the costs to other government departments and agencies of scanners and other equipment for verifying the identity of those trying to access public services.
Jacqui Smith will also confirm today that people in Manchester will be the first to be able to apply for the voluntary ID card from later this year.
At a breakfast meeting this morning, Jacqui Smith will meet with organisations who have expressed an interest in working with the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) to offer their customers the ability to record their fingerprints and facial photographs in order to apply for an ID card or second generation passport.
The Home Office expects more than 12 million such documents to be issued this year when the scheme becomes fully operational.
"While private companies will clearly benefit from the increased footfall from offering this service, their customers will benefit from being able to quickly provide their biometrics while they are out doing the shopping," Ms Smith said.
"With an identity card, people will be able to prove their identity quickly and conveniently while helping to protect themselves against identity fraud."
Identity cards are already a reality for foreign nationals with work underway to issue more than 75,000 by November this year, helping show clearly that they have the right to work and live in the UK.
From 2010 young people can apply for the card and from 2012 the National Identity Service will begin to roll-out for the general population with identity cards available in significant numbers.
The Post Office, and trade bodies the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) and Photo Marketing Association International (PMAI) are exploring how they or their members might provide biometric enrolment service to customers.
(JM/BMcC)
The decision to use high street shops - like chemists, post offices and photo shops - comes as figures released show the cost of the project has risen by more than £200 million to over £5.3 billion.
That figure excludes the costs to other government departments and agencies of scanners and other equipment for verifying the identity of those trying to access public services.
Jacqui Smith will also confirm today that people in Manchester will be the first to be able to apply for the voluntary ID card from later this year.
At a breakfast meeting this morning, Jacqui Smith will meet with organisations who have expressed an interest in working with the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) to offer their customers the ability to record their fingerprints and facial photographs in order to apply for an ID card or second generation passport.
The Home Office expects more than 12 million such documents to be issued this year when the scheme becomes fully operational.
"While private companies will clearly benefit from the increased footfall from offering this service, their customers will benefit from being able to quickly provide their biometrics while they are out doing the shopping," Ms Smith said.
"With an identity card, people will be able to prove their identity quickly and conveniently while helping to protect themselves against identity fraud."
Identity cards are already a reality for foreign nationals with work underway to issue more than 75,000 by November this year, helping show clearly that they have the right to work and live in the UK.
From 2010 young people can apply for the card and from 2012 the National Identity Service will begin to roll-out for the general population with identity cards available in significant numbers.
The Post Office, and trade bodies the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) and Photo Marketing Association International (PMAI) are exploring how they or their members might provide biometric enrolment service to customers.
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 January 2009
ID Card Benefits 'Will Be Delivered Soon', Says Home Secretary
Work is underway to identify a number of areas across the UK where British nationals can be among the first to apply for an identity card, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith announced when she visited Manchester today.
ID Card Benefits 'Will Be Delivered Soon', Says Home Secretary
Work is underway to identify a number of areas across the UK where British nationals can be among the first to apply for an identity card, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith announced when she visited Manchester today.
20 October 2010
Arrest In Premier League Ticket Probe
Metropolitan Police Service officers, investigating the misuse of Premier League membership cards, have arrested a 46-year-old man on suspicion of fraud by false representation, ticket touting and money laundering.
Arrest In Premier League Ticket Probe
Metropolitan Police Service officers, investigating the misuse of Premier League membership cards, have arrested a 46-year-old man on suspicion of fraud by false representation, ticket touting and money laundering.
25 September 2008
Foreign National ID Cards Unveiled
The design for a new controversial foreign national identity card has been unveiled today by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith. The biometric card - which contains a picture, the individual's name and date of birth, nationality and immigration status - will be issued from November by the UK Border Agency.
Foreign National ID Cards Unveiled
The design for a new controversial foreign national identity card has been unveiled today by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith. The biometric card - which contains a picture, the individual's name and date of birth, nationality and immigration status - will be issued from November by the UK Border Agency.
25 November 2008
First National Identity Cards Issued
The first ID cards for foreign nationals are to be issued by the Home Office, from today. Students, and the husbands, wives and partners of permanent residents in the UK who apply for permission to extend their stay, are eligible for the first cards under the plans.
First National Identity Cards Issued
The first ID cards for foreign nationals are to be issued by the Home Office, from today. Students, and the husbands, wives and partners of permanent residents in the UK who apply for permission to extend their stay, are eligible for the first cards under the plans.
05 April 2005
Blair announces general election
The next general election will take place on May 5, Prime Minister Tony Blair has announced. Mr Blair went to Buckingham Palace this morning to request the Queen to dissolve parliament. Speaking after his meeting with the Queen, Mr Blair said that the election was about "a big choice, a fundamental choice" and said there was "a lot at stake".
Blair announces general election
The next general election will take place on May 5, Prime Minister Tony Blair has announced. Mr Blair went to Buckingham Palace this morning to request the Queen to dissolve parliament. Speaking after his meeting with the Queen, Mr Blair said that the election was about "a big choice, a fundamental choice" and said there was "a lot at stake".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
