Confusion about UK ID-card plans

By EDRi · September 25, 2003

Confusion still reigns within the UK government over plans for a national
ID card. Home Secretary David Blunkett (the Minister of Internal Affairs)
has continued to push his scheme despite opposition from Cabinet
colleagues.

Though it is unclear whether carrying a card would be mandatory, Blunkett
said at the very least no-one should be able to work or claim benefits
without one.

While little principled opposition seems to exist within the government,
the Treasury has refused to fund the cards. The Home Office has therefore
suggested that citizens should be forced to pay around 60 Euro each to
obtain a card. Independent cost estimates are far higher, at around 140
Euro per card.

Blunkett pushes ID cards debate (21.09.2003)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/3126540.stm