6 November 2006
The identity card scheme is essential if we are to tackle the problems of the modern world, Tony Blair has said.
Illegal immigration, crime and terrorism all feature identity abuse as a crucial component.
Although ID cards, and the national identity database that will make them effective, are not a complete solution, this does not make them worthless as opponents would suggest, he said.
The PM was writing in the Daily Telegraph, ahead of his monthly press conference where he focused on the topic.
- More from the press conference
- ID card presentation from the press conference
- Top 10 most popular questions about ID cards (opens in new window)
Mr Blair believes a national identity system will have direct benefits in making the UK’s borders more secure by countering illegal immigration.
He wants to see ID cards made compulsory for all non-EU foreign nationals looking for work.
This will make it possible, for the first time, to check accurately those coming into the country, their eligibility to work, for free hospital treatment or to claim benefits.
Answering concerns over the potential cost of the scheme, the PM wrote:
"I simply don’t recognise some of the figures that have been attached to ID cards which, too often, include the costs of biometric passports.
"On present estimates, biometric passports make up 70 per cent - or around £66 - of the cost of the combined passports/ID cards we want.
"The additional cost of the ID cards will be less than £30 — or £3 a year for their 10-year lifespan."
He said this was "not a bad price" for tackling problems such as terrorism and international crime, pointing out that identity fraud costs the nation £1.7 billion a year.
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