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04/08/2005
Government admits ‘overselling’ ID cards
The government has admitted that it ‘oversold’ the advantages of the controversial identity cards.
Speaking at a private seminar in Whitehall, Home Office Minister Tony McNulty conceded that the cards would not help to solve the problems of terrorism or fraud.
Mr McNulty said: “Perhaps in the past the government in its enthusiasm oversold the advantages of identity cards. We did suggest, or at least implied, that they may well be a panacea for identity fraud, benefit fraud, terrorism and entitlement and access to public services.”
Mr McNulty said that the cards might help combat fraud, but only if fraud was “part of the equation”.
However, the government are still going to press ahead with legislation to introduce the controversial scheme, Mr McNulty said. He said: “There are now so many almost daily occasions when we have to stand up and verify our identities.”
Speaking after the terrorist attacks in London last month, Home Secretary Charles Clarke admitted that ID cards would not have prevented the bombings, but might have hindered the terrorists’ activities, in ways such as removing their ability to use multiple false identities.
Mr McNulty also admitted that a battle between the House of Commons and the Lords over making ID cards compulsory could end in deadlock.
The Minister also said that the government would announce a “ceiling” on the cost of each ID card, after numerous reports speculating that the cost could rise as high as £300 per card.
Mark Oaten, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson reiterated calls for the ID card scheme to be abandoned. He said: “The money for the government’s flawed ID card plans would be far better spent on more police and better border controls.
“The Home Office should abandon their plans before they waste any more of Parliament’s time and taxpayers’ money.”
(KMcA/SP)
Speaking at a private seminar in Whitehall, Home Office Minister Tony McNulty conceded that the cards would not help to solve the problems of terrorism or fraud.
Mr McNulty said: “Perhaps in the past the government in its enthusiasm oversold the advantages of identity cards. We did suggest, or at least implied, that they may well be a panacea for identity fraud, benefit fraud, terrorism and entitlement and access to public services.”
Mr McNulty said that the cards might help combat fraud, but only if fraud was “part of the equation”.
However, the government are still going to press ahead with legislation to introduce the controversial scheme, Mr McNulty said. He said: “There are now so many almost daily occasions when we have to stand up and verify our identities.”
Speaking after the terrorist attacks in London last month, Home Secretary Charles Clarke admitted that ID cards would not have prevented the bombings, but might have hindered the terrorists’ activities, in ways such as removing their ability to use multiple false identities.
Mr McNulty also admitted that a battle between the House of Commons and the Lords over making ID cards compulsory could end in deadlock.
The Minister also said that the government would announce a “ceiling” on the cost of each ID card, after numerous reports speculating that the cost could rise as high as £300 per card.
Mark Oaten, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson reiterated calls for the ID card scheme to be abandoned. He said: “The money for the government’s flawed ID card plans would be far better spent on more police and better border controls.
“The Home Office should abandon their plans before they waste any more of Parliament’s time and taxpayers’ money.”
(KMcA/SP)
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07 March 2012
11 Year Low For Card Fraud
Money lost due to credit and debit card fraud has reached an 11-year low, falling to £341m last year, a drop of 7%. The drop has been attributed to a 41% fall in fraudsters impersonating people to obtain or use credit cards and a 24% drop in fraud committed by cloned credit cards.
11 Year Low For Card Fraud
Money lost due to credit and debit card fraud has reached an 11-year low, falling to £341m last year, a drop of 7%. The drop has been attributed to a 41% fall in fraudsters impersonating people to obtain or use credit cards and a 24% drop in fraud committed by cloned credit cards.
14 February 2006
Government wins ID Cards Bill vote
The expected backbench rebellion failed to materialise last night as the controversial ID Cards Bill was passed by 31 votes in the House of Commons. While 20 Labour MPs joined the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats in opposing the Bill, the Government victory means that the card will be issued along with passports in 2008.
Government wins ID Cards Bill vote
The expected backbench rebellion failed to materialise last night as the controversial ID Cards Bill was passed by 31 votes in the House of Commons. While 20 Labour MPs joined the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats in opposing the Bill, the Government victory means that the card will be issued along with passports in 2008.
25 May 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.
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.
14 October 2005
ID cards to cost £30
A stand-alone identity card will cost £30, Home Secretary Charles Clarke has announced. However, a combined passport and ID card is currently estimated to cost £93. Announcing the ID card cost in Parliament, Mr Clarke said: “No-one who wants to protect their identity need pay more.
ID cards to cost £30
A stand-alone identity card will cost £30, Home Secretary Charles Clarke has announced. However, a combined passport and ID card is currently estimated to cost £93. Announcing the ID card cost in Parliament, Mr Clarke said: “No-one who wants to protect their identity need pay more.
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.
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