Stop the Database State

NO2ID launches a major new information campaign this autumn, as people in Manchester and the North-West prepare to become the guinea-pigs in the Government's first attempt at a regional rollout of the National Identity Scheme anywhere in the UK.

The populations of so-called 'Beacon Areas' in the North-West, including Manchester, will be encouraged to register voluntarily on the scheme, which will require them to hand over their fingerprints and consent to having their personal data held on the National Identity Database for life.

NO2ID have pledged to work with the local media, trade unions, students' organisations, community groups, councillors and MPs to explain exactly what this major change will mean for the lives, families and jobs of people across the North-West.

At the beginning of October, NO2ID will be holding a series of events, meetings and protests in Manchester in conjunction with other civil liberties groups, aiming to raise awareness and allow the people of the North-West a voice in defending their way of life from this intrusive scheme.

In the coming weeks a new website will be publicising all aspects of the campaign, encouraging individuals, groups and communities to come together and plan their contribution.

Dave Page, NO2ID regional co-ordinator for the North-West, said: "What they're keeping quiet is that once you are on that database, you can never come off it. From the moment you're registered you'll have to tell the authorities of any change in your circumstances for the rest of your life - and pay whatever fees they ask for the so-called 'service'. You'll never know who's looking at your details.

"It won't protect our safety. It won't be convenient - except for Whitehall. This scheme is an expensive and dangerous con."

Phil Booth, National Co-ordinator for NO2ID, said: "People in the North West are smart enough to read the small print. Once you're on the ID database you'll never be free - you'll be locked in for life. Inform yourself, inform others. Don't be a guinea-pig. Together we can beat this insidious scheme."

ENDS

For more information or interview, please contact Dave Page, NO2ID's North-West regional co-ordinator, on north.west@no2id.net or 07722 615 398 / 07982 814 441

NO2ID is the UK-wide non-partisan campaign against ID cards and the database state. Scroll down http://www.no2id.net for a list of 'database state' initiatives that NO2ID is actively opposing.