Spelthorne Council says "No to ID cards (Spelthorne Liberal Democrats)

Spelthorne Council says "No to ID cards

January 20, 2008 7:03 PM

At the December meeting of Spelthorne Council LibDems introduced a motion opposing the introduction of ID cards securing overwhelming support for the proposition. The motion was proposed by the Leader of the LibDem opposition, Councillor Colin Strong and seconded by Councillor Lawrence Nichols.

There is a wide spread of opposition to ID cards across all parties, but both New Labour and the Conservatives are split on the issue. The Liberal Democrats are wholly against the introduction of ID cards as a matter of principle.

Many Councils of all political persuasions have passed motions of opposition to the introduction of ID cards. The cumulative effect of these motions is to send a clear and consistent message to Central Government that ID cards are not wanted and are a waste of money.

Councillor Lawrence Nichols said "I feel very strongly about ID cards. For me this is not about party politics, it is a matter of personal freedom. There is no evidence that ID cards will produce the benefits that the Labour Government is claiming."

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Below is the text of the Council motion:

"This Council notes with concern Her Majesty's Government's failure to properly consider criticisms of, or vary, the terms of the Identity Card Act 2006; that this scheme is fundamentally flawed in conception and this will have an irrevocably damaging effect upon all whom it impacts, including all residents of the Borough of Spelthorne and further consideration should be given to consultation with residents.

Further:

1) The scheme will impose wholly disproportionate costs on this Council and other bodies in terms of operational costs and associated implementation costs.

2) The ID card and database will fundamentally change the relationship between the individual and the state.

3) ID cards won't prevent terrorist attacks.

4) ID cards won't prevent illegal immigration.

5) ID cards won't prevent identity fraud.

6) ID cards won't prevent human trafficking.

7) This Council resolves to:

(a) Take no part in any pilot scheme or feasibility work in relation to the national Identity Card Scheme unless specifically so required to by law.

(b) Make it a policy of the Council to ensure national identity cards shall not be required to obtain council benefits or services unless specifically required to by law.

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