Fox signals conditions for ID card support

Anthony Butcher · 21-12-2004, 03:18 AM

http://www.epolitix.com/EN/News/2004...d2c714b167.htm

Quote:

Conservative support for ID cards could be withdrawn, if the government moves to make them compulsory, the party's co-chairman has said.

Speaking to the BBC Radio 4 World At One programme on Monday, Liam Fox insisted that Tories would only back the present bill, which only advocates a voluntary scheme, and that a compulsory system is not needed at present.

"That would be a very different debate, and it would have to be considered in the framework of any particular threat faced at any particular time," he said.

But the prime minister's official spokesman has confirmed to journalists that the introduction of a compulsory ID card scheme would require a fresh vote among MPs.

I am no fan of ID cards, but can someone explain to me how the scheme can ever work if the cards aren't compulsoy? Surely that defeats the whole point. If we don't have to have one, then the "terrorists" and "benefit fraudsters" won't have to have one either.

As far as I can see they are simply doing it in two stages - get the public used to the idea first of all and then either make cards compulsory or make life impossible without one.

mkpdavies · 21-12-2004, 03:21 AM

Quote:

As far as I can see they are simply doing it in two stages - get the public used to the idea first of all and then either make cards compulsory or make life impossible without one.

Spot on!

They must think we're stupid!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode