Proposals for a national compulsory identity cards scheme, to strengthen national security and protect people’s identity, were set out on 29 November 2004 when the Government published the Identity Cards Bill. Our decision to introduce identity cards has been taken following a wide ranging debate, starting with the announcement in February 2002 of the original consultation and continuing with the consultation on the draft legislation.
The decision to proceed is based in part on the fact that we will have to introduce more secure personal identifiers (biometrics) into our passports and other existing documents in line with international requirements. If our citizens are to continue to enjoy the benefits of international travel, as increasing numbers of them are doing, we cannot be left behind.
Identity cards will provide every person in this country with an easy and secure way of proving their identity, of demonstrating their right to be here and of asserting their place in the community. Our liberties will be strengthened if our identity is protected from theft; if we are guaranteed access to the services to which we are entitled; and if our community is better protected from terrorists and organised criminals, and from those who seek to abuse the immigration rules and public services.
ID fraud is a growing crime, costing the country more than £1.3 billion per year. Multiple or false identities are used in more than a third of terrorist related activity and in organised crime and money laundering. It is crucial that we are able to confirm and verify our own and others’ identities quickly and easily. Consequently, we believe that there are clear benefits to be gained from biometric identity cards.
The Government’s proposals are designed to safeguard, not erode, civil liberties by protecting people’s true identity against fraud and by enabling them to prove their identity more easily when accessing public or private services.
delicious
digg
facebook
