Post Political Times

Drop Designated Documents

So, the Identity Cards Bill was given a Second Reading last night. This comes as no surprise really as Labour ‘rebels’ will be negotiating behind the scenes rather than wanting to derail the Government so soon. They may be asking for concessions on this Bill or on entirely different issues.

The top amendment that should now be pressed is to break the link between ‘designated documents’ and having to accept an ID card. What this link means in effect is that when you apply to have your passport renewed you have to take an ID card.

This happens whilst the scheme is supposed to be voluntary. i.e. it is voluntary except if you wish to travel (which the 80% odd of us who have passports do) when it compulsory.

Amendments should be made dropping Clause 10 of the Bill which insists that those issuing designated documents require an ID card to be issued at the same time.

If this change were made, then the Government would still be able to have its manifesto commitment to introduce a voluntary ID card scheme. And it could still make this compulsory at some future date if Parliament approves of this.

But it could not make 80% of us take a card during the voluntary phase. The Passport Agency could offer us one and explain that getting one later may cost more money but this would be our choice.

If the cards really are beneficial and convenient then we can expect to see people taking them up. But those who want to travel but do not want an ID card until and unless it is made compulsory by Parliament would have the option of declining the offer.

The Government have no real argument against this if the scheme is truly voluntary at this stage. They can say it may cost more but it is for the individual to decide whether or not to take the risk of extra expdense and not a nanny Government.

Of course, the reality is that they want those applying for passports now to all have to take ID cards to reduce the unit costs for later applicants under compulsion. But the Lords would be entitled to hold firm on an amendment preventing this whilst respecting the convention on manifesto commitments.