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)