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25/05/2005
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.
The Conservatives say they will oppose the introduction of ID cards and that there were serious doubts among Labour MPs over the scheme.
Backing the Bill, Prime Minister Tony Blair said: "The abuse of identity actually costs this country billions of pounds a year."
The Home Secretary, Charles Clarke, is also reported to be considering strengthening the powers of a compulsory card commissioner to oversee the scheme. The Liberal Democrats are also set to oppose the plans.
Mr Clarke has offered to meet critics to discuss their concerns, and believes that it is critically important that the issues of identity fraud should be tackled.
The Shadow Home Secretary, David Davis, has indicated that he will oppose a measure which he regards as both impractical and expensive.
The Home Office has estimated that ID theft costs approximately £1.3bn a year in the UK.
Mark Oaten, the Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesman, urged Conservatives to join forces with the Lib Dems and Labour rebels to defeat the proposals.
The Home Office said citizens will be able to apply for a stand-alone ID card without a passport, but confirmed it will not be possible to apply for a passport without an ID card.
The last time the Government attempted to get the Identity Card Bill passed there was a marathon stand-off in Parliament. Facing amendments the Bill failed to get through when Labour rebels refused to back the proposal.
(CD/SP)
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.
The Conservatives say they will oppose the introduction of ID cards and that there were serious doubts among Labour MPs over the scheme.
Backing the Bill, Prime Minister Tony Blair said: "The abuse of identity actually costs this country billions of pounds a year."
The Home Secretary, Charles Clarke, is also reported to be considering strengthening the powers of a compulsory card commissioner to oversee the scheme. The Liberal Democrats are also set to oppose the plans.
Mr Clarke has offered to meet critics to discuss their concerns, and believes that it is critically important that the issues of identity fraud should be tackled.
The Shadow Home Secretary, David Davis, has indicated that he will oppose a measure which he regards as both impractical and expensive.
The Home Office has estimated that ID theft costs approximately £1.3bn a year in the UK.
Mark Oaten, the Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesman, urged Conservatives to join forces with the Lib Dems and Labour rebels to defeat the proposals.
The Home Office said citizens will be able to apply for a stand-alone ID card without a passport, but confirmed it will not be possible to apply for a passport without an ID card.
The last time the Government attempted to get the Identity Card Bill passed there was a marathon stand-off in Parliament. Facing amendments the Bill failed to get through when Labour rebels refused to back the proposal.
(CD/SP)
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21 December 2010
ID Cards Scrapped Under First Home Office Bill
ID cards will be scrapped under the Coalition Government's first Home Office Bill to pass through Parliament. The Identity Documents Bill is due to receive Royal Assent today.
ID Cards Scrapped Under First Home Office Bill
ID cards will be scrapped under the Coalition Government's first Home Office Bill to pass through Parliament. The Identity Documents Bill is due to receive Royal Assent today.
26 November 2003
Blunkett sets out agenda for parliamentary session
Measures to modernise the law on domestic violence and a Bill to take forward the final phase of reform to the immigration and asylum system will form the Home Office's legislative programme for the next Parliamentary session, Home Secretary David Blunkett said today.
Blunkett sets out agenda for parliamentary session
Measures to modernise the law on domestic violence and a Bill to take forward the final phase of reform to the immigration and asylum system will form the Home Office's legislative programme for the next Parliamentary session, Home Secretary David Blunkett said today.
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.
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.
27 May 2010
ID Cards To Be Scrapped
Further details of the Government's plans to scrap ID cards have been announced by Home Secretary Theresa May today. The Bill, announced in the Queen's speech, will require the destruction of all personal information gathered from existing cardholders and those currently held in the National Identity Register.
ID Cards To Be Scrapped
Further details of the Government's plans to scrap ID cards have been announced by Home Secretary Theresa May today. The Bill, announced in the Queen's speech, will require the destruction of all personal information gathered from existing cardholders and those currently held in the National Identity Register.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
