I D cards! whats the fuss?

Voluntary ID cards are going on trial in Manchester. England this month. so whats all the fuss? Ok they cost £30 but should allow you access to other European countries without a passport.  As an ex serviceman in the 70's my ID card opened many doors, instant proof of who I was and no bulky passport to carry around. The card is useful in banks or other service industries were you need face to face recognition. A passport cost upwards of £70 and  is required almost everywhere you go these days but could be so easily faked, the new ID card carries a chip containing your fingerprint/ photo its only voluntary at the moment but after tests could become compulsary.

All visitors coming into the UK, unless for short holidays will need to aquire one with thier visa (as they do now). Illegal immigrants won't of course have one and should therefore be easily controlled. I personaly think that everyone who claims money out of the 'public purse', my/your money, should only receive it on production of thier ID card. this would control who gets what, if you dont like the idea, you dont get the money, simple as that!

 Human rights issue? codswallop!!!

In 2007, I renewed my PCV/bus driving licence which I've had for 20 years. This time they wanted proof of identity before they would; had car licence for 40 years., so, they had a heap of things before my licence duly returned. I also have a security licence that required similar loads of proof before it would be issued.

Would either of these be proof of identity now? Probably not; they want to see all the same things that both these licences required.

And to get a passport, you also have to name some one on the form who knows you at least 2 years; belongs to one of their listed professions, and is a passport holder already. That's easier said than done actually.