Tory candidate highlights dangers of identity card scheme

Can I add my support to J Mullally s comments on the dangers of the identity card scheme. Ever since David Cameron s election as Conservative leader, we have vigorously opposed the introduction of ID cards in Britain. The scheme is a complete waste. It w

Can I add my support to J Mullally's comments on the dangers of the identity card scheme. Ever since David Cameron's election as Conservative leader, we have vigorously opposed the introduction of ID cards in Britain.

The scheme is a complete waste. It will cost billions at a time when we can ill afford it. The national debt is rising every day and the Government is planning huge cuts to the public services. Spending money on ID cards is just not the right thing to do at the current time.

ID cards will also do nothing to make us safer. They will not prevent illegal immigration, as foreign visitors will not have to have an ID card unless they plan to stay for more than three months. They won't do anything to halt the worrying rise in illegal trafficking. Only a full-time dedicated Border Police Force will do that.

There is also the issue of civil liberties. This Government has a terrible record when it comes to storing our data. The introduction of ID cards will see almost 30 separate pieces of personal information - including name, date of birth, previous addresses, photograph, signature, fingerprints and other biometric details - stored in one place. The recipe for disaster is huge.

We should do what David Cameron has proposed and scrap this misguided policy, and use some of the savings to invest in genuine priority areas such as more prison places, more drug rehabilitation for people in custody, and the introduction of a dedicated Border Police Force.

As an ex-policeman I'm convinced that this would be a more sensible use of public money.

GEORGE LEE

Conservative candidate

Holborn & St Pancras