Blunkett plays immigration ID card

Home Secretary David Blunkett has cited the problem of illegal immigration to persuade colleagues to back his plans for national identity cards.

With the Queen's Speech fast approaching, Blunkett is trying to rally support for his ID card plans, and has identified illegal immigration as a strong selling point.

The Queen's Speech, during which the government outlines its legislative plans, takes place on 26 November.

Blunkett has said that he hopes to convince sceptical colleagues to back his ID plans, and get the required legislation into the Speech.

The home secretary recently told the Home Affairs Select Committee that he was unsure whether colleagues would agree to incorporating the legislation into the Speech.

Blunkett supporter Martin Linton MP has insisted that asylum seekers target the UK because "there are no internal identity checks" and no outward passport controls to ensure that visa holders actually leave the country.

But opponents point to other European countries that have national ID cards, but still have problems with illegal immigrants.

"The expectation is that it will deal with immigration problems, but that's just not going to happen," David Winnick, Labour MP for Walsall North, said on Radio 4's Today programme.

"I hope that, when costs and civil liberties come into consideration, the idea will be dropped."

Supporters insist that the cards will not erode civil liberties, but instead act as entitlement cards guaranteeing access to public services.

"The cards will just contain ID information. It will be up to public services to use the card as an ID check, but any information they hold about you will be kept on their own systems," Linton told the programme.

Ian Brown, director of privacy campaigners the Foundation for Information Policy review, suggested that public service workers would reject the cards.

"It goes against the grain for professionals, such as doctors, to refuse treatment for those in need simply because the patient does not have an ID card," he said.

A Home Office spokeswoman stated that the Cabinet had been presented with proposals for a national ID card, but that discussions were still ongoing.

She added that no details of what would be in the Queen's Speech would be made public beforehand.

See also:

UK considers electronic borders

Government agencies collaborate on plans to track every UK arrival and departure  14 May 2004

ID cards: can technology cope?

In the second of a three-part series looking at the issues surrounding national ID cards, Computing focuses on the technological challenges.  24 Nov 2003

ID cards: the cost to business

The government last week began the introduction of a national ID card. In a three-part series, Computing looks at some of the critical issues that must be debated.  24 Nov 2003

Heading for an identity crisis?

The government wants national ID cards within 15 years, but can the many bodies involved be ready in time?  08 Oct 2003

House of cards

ID cards are back on the agenda, but just how secure will they be?  03 Oct 2003

Hewitt reveals split over ID cards

Trade and Industry minister foresees technical problems  26 Sep 2003

Government delays ID card legislation

Home secretary told to provide more details about cost and implementation  16 Sep 2003

ID cards need to offer benefits to consumers

Citizens would accept cards if they allowed access to services, experts say  11 Sep 2003

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