Stop the Database State

In a recent publicity stunt, the Government announced that people in Greater Manchester will be able to register for an ID card in the Autumn. What does this mean?

It's Useless

The cards can't be used for anything. The tracking databases haven't been built yet, and nobody can read the card data. The Government admit that people will only eventually see benefits, but can't tell us what these benefits are. The cards are now just a proof-of-age card, and you can get those for £20.

Terrorists will have an ID card, just like they have valid passports today. Gang masters will continue to enslave immigrants in the black economy. Fraudulent benefits claimants will continue to work cash-in-hand. The claimed convenience will come from making it harder to live without one.

There's also a strong chance that the scheme will be scrapped soon. All political parties other than Labour have pledged to bin it, and Labour MPs are openly criticising the scheme. David Blunkett, the father of ID cards, has described a a massive drop in confidence in the system. Why fork out early for something which may get the axe?

It's Expensive

Regardless of how much you pay up front, these cards cost around £300 each to the taxpayer. The total cost of the scheme keeps going up. It'll cost us over £5bn before anybody's using the cards, in the middle of a recession. That could pay for 10,000 more police on the streets instead.

It's Intrusive

UK ID cards are not the same as elsewhere in Europe. When you get your card, you'll be enrolled on the National Identity Register. These centralised databases will store and track more information about you than any Government in the Western world.

Your personal details will be on one interlinked system, accessible to thousands of civil servants, and vulnerable to hackers, criminal insiders, or old-fashioned incompetence. If you've got nothing to hide, you've got plenty to fear – and nothing to prove.

It's Compulsory

Despite the spin, ID cards are not as voluntary as they sound. This Autumn, workers at Manchester Airport will have to carry them. The Government want to require students to have an ID card to get a student loan. By 2016, you won't need to be on the ID database – but you won't be able to open a bank account, get a job, register with a GP... or leave the country.

Don't Fall for the ID Con – Refuse the Card!

We hold meetings, stalls and other events to raise awareness, reduce the harm of ID cards, resist the scheme and repeal the laws behind it. Please join us. You can donate online or join the campaign at http://www.no2id.net/getInvolved/

You can download a PDF from this page and print off two A5 flyers on each sheet of A4 paper. Please help spread the word!