Dundee Liberal Democrats welcome criticism of Labour's "wholly flawed and highly expensive ID cards disaster" (Dundee Liberal Democrats)

Dundee Liberal Democrats <info@dundeelibdems.org.uk>

Dundee Liberal Democrats welcome criticism of Labour's "wholly flawed and highly expensive ID cards disaster"

August 6, 2006 8:15 AM

Dundee Liberal Democrats have today (Sunday 6th August) welcomed the double-blow to Labour's determination to press ahead with plans to introduce identity cards with two reports accusing the government of confusion and of keeping the public in the dark.

Firstly, a House of Commons committee reported that plans for ID cards were "inconsistent" and "lacking clarity" and questioned the Home Office's claim that the overall cost would be half the £19bn estimate of analysts. And, secondly, Richard Thomas, the information commissioner, found that the Treasury analysis of the scheme was being unfairly kept secret and ordered details to be made public.

Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson, Lynne Featherstone MP said, "The Prime Minister seems determined to push ahead with identity cards, despite the growing body of opinion warning against their implementation.

"Identity cards will cost a fortune and won't stop terrorism or fraud. If Tony Blair wants to nail his legacy to ID cards then it will be a suitable end to his faltering premiership."

Locally, Dundee Liberal Democrat Council Group Leader, Cllr Fraser Macpherson, said, "Labour's ID cards proposals are wholly flawed and highly expensive - it is a failing government that ignores all the warning signs and criticism of a flawed policy. Labour is also ignoring public opinion on this issue."