A public consultation was launched last year to gauge reaction
to plans for a national identity card scheme, dubbed an
'entitlement' card, which would probably incorporate biometric
data. No legislation has yet been proposed, but Home Secretary
David Blunkett remains determined.
Blunkett has overseen other developments in recent months that
could help to pave the way for his proposed card scheme technology
in the future.
Last month the Home Office announced that biometric visas were
to be phased in for all visitors from overseas requiring visas
while a pilot scheme for the next generation passport was launched.
These new passports will contain data representing fingerprints and
iris scans. But human rights groups warned that the test is just a
front – a convenient way to prepare for a biometric national ID
card.
The results of the consultation showed that the majority of
respondents opposed the scheme. Then, in July, Tony Blair indicated
that there would be no quick moves towards ID cards, citing cost
and technical reasons.
Notwithstanding, it was anticipated that the forthcoming Labour
conference would see an ID card announcement, particularly since
the Home Office has advertised for a manager to oversee the
implementation of the scheme. On Thursday, however, Blunkett
indicated that the Cabinet has now put ID cards onto the back
burner.
The Home Secretary told the Home Affairs Select Committee that
he had that day reported to the Cabinet on the progress of the ID
card scheme, but that no decision would be made on implementing the
scheme until later in the year. He added to the Select Committee,
however, to rely on him to persuade sceptics "that it will be all
right in the end."
