Not Often I Agree With A Labour Politican

[youngmafbog]

but I've often found Mr Alan Johnson often quite reasonable in his views and I certainly agree with this one on ID cards.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5673421/Charles-Clark-Alan-Johnson-urge-introduction-ID-cards-Windrush.html

[Jackdaw33]

JRM thinks differently, apparently. He has gone down in my estimation.

[Hopkirk]

I fail to see the benefit of an ID scheme, but considerable cost.

It wouldn't have helped Windrush people, as they might have struggled to get one issued.

Carrying it wouldn't be compulsory so why have them?

[Jackdaw33]

The point is that most places now require a driving licence or current passport as proof of identity before providing services. I possess neither and suspect that I might not be alone in that respect. An ID card would be a simple way to obviate this problem. I would happily pay for one.

[anotheoldgit]

I don't know why so many are against the reintroduction of ID cards, no one seems bothered regarding Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates, Driving Licences and Employment ID Passes.

More kowtowing to the minorities it would seem.

[ToraToraTora]

oddly enough it was Alan Johnson who's started this fiasco in 2009!

[bednobs]

I'm not sure that people who don't want id cards are in the minority though. If their was a national appetite for them then some govt would have already introduced them. I personally think they're a good idea

[jno]

they had them during the war, understandably, but the idea of continuing them was rejected after the war as Britons cherished their freedom to come and go as they pleased without having to account for themselves to government officials.

How things change...

[ummmm]

They are a good idea for people with no driving license/passport.

[cashier]

I would have one but don't see why I should pay for it. I didn't pay for the one I had when I was born.

[ummmm]

You were given photo ID when you were born?

[Jackdaw33]

No, but your parents did if you're referring to a birth certificate.

[anotheoldgit]

ummmm
/// You were given photo ID when you were born? ///

Photo ID were not mentioned, in fact the ones we had in WW2 did not carry a photograph of one's self.

[Sqad]

I always liked Allan Johnson, he left the cabinet for "personal reasons" if I remember rightly.
ALL UK residents should have a Health Card which could be used for identification, with a photograph attached.
No Health Card....then no UK ID OR no free NHS treatment.

[sp1814]

Optional ID cards seem like a good idea. Mandatory ones which need to be carried at all times? Not so sure about that.

What would be the advantages?

The pro and con arguments laid out here make me think that the introduction of ID cards would be a bad move:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1341522/The-case-for-and-against-identity-cards.html

[New Judge]

"An ID card would be a simple way to obviate this problem. I would happily pay for one."

Should photo ID cards ever be introduced (and no doubt they would have to include "biometrics" as well) I imagine the cost of one will be close to that of a passport. So you might as well get a passport, jd.

[sp1814]

And what about those of us who already have an ID card in the form of a driving licence?

If ID cards were to be compulsory - we too would have to stump up!

[Postdog]

The ex postman who wanted to sell out ex colleagues by privatizing royal mail. I wouldn't spit on him if on fire.

[youngmafbog]

I'd go for mandatory to have one but not to carry it. alternatively just make it mandatory to have a passport.

And yes, no card = no job no treatment and no benefits.

[youngmafbog]

SP, no reason the ID card couldn't hold driver details.

Problem solved.

[Jackdaw33]

NJ, the trouble with passports is that they are only valid for ten years. An out of date one, even though it has a photo and relevant personal details, is not accepted as proof of identity.