Menu
30/07/2009
UK Identity Card Unveiled
The image of the ID card for British citizens was officially unveiled by the Home Secretary today in Manchester and London.
The ID card, which can also be used as a travel document in Europe, was revealed by the Home Secretary at St Pancras International Station in London and to residents of Greater Manchester at an event in the city centre.
The ID card image shows the information contained on the face of the card, including photograph, name, date of birth and signature, and the card’s unique design. It will hold similar information to that currently contained in the UK passport as well as a photograph and fingerprints on a secure electronic chip - linking the owner of the card securely to their unique biometric identity.
Home Secretary Alan Johnson said: "The introduction of ID cards today reaches another milestone, enabling the people of Manchester to prove and protect their identity in a quick, simple and secure way.
"Given the growing problem of identity fraud and the inconvenience of having to carry passports, coupled with gas bills or six months worth of bank statements to prove identity, I believe the ID card will be welcomed as an important addition to the many plastic cards that most people already carry.
"The fact that it can be used as a passport when travelling in Europe will be an added advantage."
The new UK identity cards will feature the latest physical security features, which are designed to give the card's owner and those being asked to accept the card maximum protection from identity fraud or forgery, which costs the UK economy £1.2 billion on average each year.
They will act as a proof of age, helping prove an individual's right to enter premises or buy goods. They will also empower communities tackling anti-social behaviour and crime by allowing local retailers, including pubs and supermarkets, to make sure they aren't selling restricted goods to those who are underage.
The Home Office been under pressure over the ID Card programme in recent months.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Grayling said the government had spent more than £200m on ID cards and signed contracts worth £1bn before last month's u-turn.
"The Government has already wasted £200m that we cannot afford," said Mr Grayling.
"The scheme will cost hundreds of million pounds more, even if the cards are voluntary. It is time this scheme was completely scrapped."
(JM/BMcC)
The ID card, which can also be used as a travel document in Europe, was revealed by the Home Secretary at St Pancras International Station in London and to residents of Greater Manchester at an event in the city centre.
The ID card image shows the information contained on the face of the card, including photograph, name, date of birth and signature, and the card’s unique design. It will hold similar information to that currently contained in the UK passport as well as a photograph and fingerprints on a secure electronic chip - linking the owner of the card securely to their unique biometric identity.
Home Secretary Alan Johnson said: "The introduction of ID cards today reaches another milestone, enabling the people of Manchester to prove and protect their identity in a quick, simple and secure way.
"Given the growing problem of identity fraud and the inconvenience of having to carry passports, coupled with gas bills or six months worth of bank statements to prove identity, I believe the ID card will be welcomed as an important addition to the many plastic cards that most people already carry.
"The fact that it can be used as a passport when travelling in Europe will be an added advantage."
The new UK identity cards will feature the latest physical security features, which are designed to give the card's owner and those being asked to accept the card maximum protection from identity fraud or forgery, which costs the UK economy £1.2 billion on average each year.
They will act as a proof of age, helping prove an individual's right to enter premises or buy goods. They will also empower communities tackling anti-social behaviour and crime by allowing local retailers, including pubs and supermarkets, to make sure they aren't selling restricted goods to those who are underage.
The Home Office been under pressure over the ID Card programme in recent months.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Grayling said the government had spent more than £200m on ID cards and signed contracts worth £1bn before last month's u-turn.
"The Government has already wasted £200m that we cannot afford," said Mr Grayling.
"The scheme will cost hundreds of million pounds more, even if the cards are voluntary. It is time this scheme was completely scrapped."
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 August 2013
Customers To Be Reimbursed Following Mis-Sold CPP Card Protection
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has reached an agreement with Card Protection Plan Limited (CPP) and 13 high street banks and credit card issuers, that will pave the way for redress to be paid to customers who were mis-sold CPP's Card Protection and Identity Protection policies.
Customers To Be Reimbursed Following Mis-Sold CPP Card Protection
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has reached an agreement with Card Protection Plan Limited (CPP) and 13 high street banks and credit card issuers, that will pave the way for redress to be paid to customers who were mis-sold CPP's Card Protection and Identity Protection policies.
08 October 2003
M&S backtracks over &More credit card after OFT probe
Marks and Spencer Financial Services (MSFS) has changed the way it will offer to replace its store cards by the &More credit card after action by the Office of Fair Trading. MSFS had sent out letters to many card holders saying that its store card would automatically be replaced by the &More credit card unless card holders objected.
M&S backtracks over &More credit card after OFT probe
Marks and Spencer Financial Services (MSFS) has changed the way it will offer to replace its store cards by the &More credit card after action by the Office of Fair Trading. MSFS had sent out letters to many card holders saying that its store card would automatically be replaced by the &More credit card unless card holders objected.
07 September 2005
Government launches ID fraud leaflet
The Home Office have launched a leaflet, advising the British public how to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft. Identity theft – when someone’s personal information is used by another person to in order to fraudulently obtain benefits or services – is becoming more common.
Government launches ID fraud leaflet
The Home Office have launched a leaflet, advising the British public how to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft. Identity theft – when someone’s personal information is used by another person to in order to fraudulently obtain benefits or services – is becoming more common.
31 May 2006
Investigation launched into warship security breach
The Navy has launched an investigation after an undercover reporter managed to gain access to one of its warships. The journalist from 'The Sun' said that he spent an hour on board HMS Ocean at the Devonport base, after using a lost identity card belonging to a cleaner.
Investigation launched into warship security breach
The Navy has launched an investigation after an undercover reporter managed to gain access to one of its warships. The journalist from 'The Sun' said that he spent an hour on board HMS Ocean at the Devonport base, after using a lost identity card belonging to a cleaner.
12 March 2015
Renewed Appeal For Information On 1999 Disappearance
Police have renewed an appeal for information on the disappearance of Bruce Gapper almost 16 years ago. Mr Gapper, from Dewsbury, was reported missing on 16 March, 1999. He was 40-years-old at the time of his disappearance. Police said they believe Mr Gapper was murdered.
Renewed Appeal For Information On 1999 Disappearance
Police have renewed an appeal for information on the disappearance of Bruce Gapper almost 16 years ago. Mr Gapper, from Dewsbury, was reported missing on 16 March, 1999. He was 40-years-old at the time of his disappearance. Police said they believe Mr Gapper was murdered.
-
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.
