ID cards concern local Councillor (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

ID cards concern local Councillor

January 19, 2006 12:00 AM

In light of the latest defeat at the House of Lords for the Government's bill to introduce ID cards, Hyde Park & Woodhouse Councillor Kabeer Hussain has expressed fresh concerns about the proposals.

Councillor Kabeer Hussain (Lib Dem, Hyde Park & Woodhouse) said, "This latest rebuttal by the House of Lords should send a clear message to the government that compulsory ID cards are simply not viable. Fears about the cost of the scheme* are being raised at the highest level and echo the concerns of many people across the country. ID cards are an expensive way of achieving very little and have been proven not to work in other countries. The government should be looking to invest money in police officers on the beat and improving community relations rather than taking on the role of big brother."

Councillor Hussain added, "I am particularly concerned with the implications ID cards could have for an increase in discrimination and harassment. Given that the government wants the police to use the cards to detect more illegal immigrants and potential terrorists, we can expect most of these checks to involve black and Asian people. Talk of ID cards being linked to a council's electoral register is another major worry. The idea that councils should have to fine people for not having an ID card will cause a major rift between councils, councillors and their local communities. It shows just how ID cards, voluntary or compulsory, will affect every aspect of our day to day life."

Notes to the Editor:

*http://www.guardian.co.uk/idcards/story/0,15642,1688061,00.html

The views in this Press Release are those of the Liberal Democrat Council Group, and not necessarily those of Leeds City Council, its Officers or of the Liberal Democrat Party.