Lib Dems call for Bedford Borough Council to say 'No to ID'

12.39.47pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 10th Jul 2009

The Liberal Democrats are calling for Bedford Borough Council to say 'No to ID'

Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats are calling on the new unitary Council to say no to ID Cards. In a motion to be debated at a meeting of the Council next week, the Lib Dems are demanding that the Council declares its opposition to the Government's plans for a national ID card and accompanying database. The motion also calls on the council to pledge that it will not take part in any trial schemes and that local residents will not be required to hold an ID card in order to access council services, unless this is required by law.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Cllr Tim Hill, who will propose the motion, said: "ID Cards will not produce their stated benefits, but will cost billions at a time when public finances are severely stretched. They will restrict the freedom of local residents at the same time as making them even more vulnerable to government mishandling of personal data. The Labour Government still hasn't grasped that less liberty does not equal greater security. ID cards offer no more deterrent to people smugglers than passports and visas, and will be no barrier to organised criminals and terrorists.'

"With no evidence that the scheme will prevent terrorism, even the government is now backtracking on that claim. Its argument for introducing the ID Card and the giant national database to go with it appears to boil down to "because we can." That's not good enough.'

"The former County Council committed itself to opposing the ID Card scheme thanks to the Liberal Democrats, and with that council's demise a clear statement is now required to send a message that Bedford Borough wants no part of the government's discredited plans. I hope Councillors of all parties will support our motion and say no to ID Cards."