We want police not plastic (Kirklees Liberal Democrats)

Kirklees Liberal Democrats <info@kirkleeslibdems.org.uk>

We want police not plastic

October 14, 2005 10:50 AM

UK National Identity Card (Design Mock-up) In a speech to Kirklees Council on 14th September, Linda Wilkinson, Liberal Democrats councillor for Almondbury Ward, called for the Council to oppose Government plans to impose ID cards on Kirklees residents.

Councillor Wilkinson said "The disadvantages of such a scheme will outweigh any benefits to the people of Kirklees. According to the Government's own figures the money that Kirklees residents are likely to have to pay is an estimated £38 for a stand-alone ID card or £93 for a passport and ID card together. This will hit the most vulnerable and poorest in Kirklees, those on low pay, who usually don't drive, don't go abroad, and, as a consequence, have no need for a driving licence or passport, yet they will be forced to pay up to £100 for a card they don't want or need."

"These cards will do nothing to prevent terrorism, crime or fraud. Most Identity crimes involve VAT or money laundering using fake foreign identities. Most identity crime involves someone using your credit card online or over the telephone. ID cards could not tackle these crimes. Over 90% of benefit fraud is committed by people pretending to be too ill to work or working cash in hand while claiming state benefit. ID cards would not help. There is no evidence to suggest that ID cards will protect us from terrorism. Spain has a compulsory ID card scheme and has suffered years of terrorist attacks."

In the debate Councillor Wilkinson asked the Council to join the "No2ID" campaign, which already includes MPs across several political parties. She also wanted the Council not to take part in any pilot scheme or feasibility work in relation to the introduction of the National identity cards and to make it a policy of the Council to ensure that national identity cards would not be required to access council services or benefits unless specifically called to do so by an Act of Parliament.

Councillor Wilkinson said "We believe that the billions about to be wasted on imposing ID cards on Kirklees residents would be better spent on recruiting more police officers and investing in measures that will have a real effecting cutting crime."

Councillor Wilkinsons proposals were defeated by a combined vote of Conservative and Labour Councillors.