IP: "Never believe anything until it has been officially denied" -- UK National ID cards -- proposed again

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

> X-Envelope-From: wendyg () cix compulink co uk
> Date: Wed, 6 Feb 2002 15:22 +0000 (GMT)
> From: wendyg () cix compulink co uk (Wendy Grossman)
> Subject: UK National ID cards -- proposed again
> To: dave () farber net
> Reply-To: wendyg () cix compulink co uk
> X-Ameol-Version: 2.52.2000, Windows 2000 build 2195 (Service Pack 1)
>
> This morning's Independent carries a story to the effect that David
> Blunkett, the Home Secretary, told Parliament yesterday that he wanted
> to create national "entitlement cards" which would determine the
> bearer's right of access to the health service, education, and state
> financial benefits.  Although Blunkett says that a failure to carry the
> card would not be a criminal offense, the scheme is thought by civil
> liberties groups to pave the way for the creation of a national database
> and ever-tighter surveillance.
>
> The possibility of national ID cards was denied last fall (but in the
> UK, "Never believe anything until it has been officially denied" (c)
> Yes, Minister).  Blunkett expects to publish a consultation document
> this spring to canvass opinion.
>
> wg

For archives see:
http://www.interesting-people.org/archives/interesting-people/