Council backs bid to oppose ID cards

4.08.48pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 3rd May 2006

North Somerset Council has backed a proposal by Lib Dem Mike Bell to oppose ID cards

At a meeting last night, North Somerset Council overwhelmingly backed a motion from Liberal Democrat Councillor Mike Bell and Green Councillor Tom Leimdorfer against the introduction of identity cards.

The council endorsed opposition to ID cards, resolved to write to the Home Secretary opposing their introduction and agreed not to participate in any pilot projects paving the way for a scheme.

Cllr Mike Bell said: "ID cards are expensive, ineffective and will fundamentally alter the relationship between the individual and the state.

"I know many North Somerset residents oppose their introduction in principle and many others because in practice they will cost billions and do little to tackle crime, fraud or terrorism.

"North Somerset Council is right to oppose their introduction for all these reasons, but also because the introduction of ID card will inevitably lead to more bureaucracy and costs for local tax payers.

"I know that local people want more police on the streets, real action to tackle anti-social behaviour and decent facilities for our children and young people. They don't want bits of plastic and a costly army of mandarins to administer them."