LIVINGSTONE'S CALL FOR COMPULSORY ID CARDS IGNORES REALITY

1.07.21pm GMT Wed 15th Dec 2004

Commenting on Ken Livingstone's support at Mayor's Question Time for the compulsory carrying of Identity Cards, taking his position one step further than the Government's view, Leader of the London Assembly Liberal Democrats, Graham Tope, said:-

"The Mayor's call for the compulsory carrying of Identity Cards takes the Government's position one step further and would brings us much closer to an Orwellian world of Big Brother.

"His support for Identity Cards ignores the fears of many minority groups that this scheme will lead to more racial discrimination in policing and in public services.

"The ID card Bill may not give the police new powers, but it will give them a powerful new tool for checking anyone's identity and immigration status.

"ID Cards will do little to tackle terrorism and the £3bn would be better spent on more resources for intelligence and policing."

ENDS

Notes to editor

The Liberal Democrats quizzed the Mayor on Wednesday 15th December 2004 at 10am at City Hall.

The 1990 Trust has set out it's opposition to ID cards at the weblink enclosed:-

http://www.blink.org.uk/pdescription.asp?key=4998&;grp=21