Identity cards
In November 2003 the Home Secretary announced that the Government has decided to introduce a national identity cards scheme. This followed a consultation exercise that ran from 3 July 2002 to 31 January 2003.
In April 2004, the Government published proposals for legislation on identity cards including the draft clauses of an Identity Cards Bill were published. This was also the subject of a consultation exercise that ran from 26 April to 20 July 2004.
The proposals are set out in the Home Office website.
Why do we need an identity cards scheme?
- To deter illegal working
- To tackle immigration abuse
- To strengthen security by disrupting the use of false and multiple identities by terrorists and organised crime groups
- To ensure free public services are only used by those entitled to them
- To help protect people from identity theft.