NO2ID Birmingham campaign

We at NO2ID are deeply concerned about the encroachment of Government into the private lives of the ordinary UK public - regardless of race, religion or politics. The relationship between state and citizen is undergoing extensive and unwelcome change.

There is no evidence that either the National Identity Register nor the ID card scheme can deliver the benefits to security and the protection against fraud that the Government claims, nor is there any evidence that they can competently protect our privacy. The ID card scheme uses untested technologies and the Government's record on data security is poor. The extent of the information required is astonishing.

Dame Stella Rimington, ex-MI5 chief, has said that ID cards could be rendered "useless" by forgery, but, despite rumours to the contrary, Gordon Brown is recently said to have made it "very clear" to a home office minister that he still supports ID cards. Meg Hillier MP has indicated that there is no question of a U-turn on the controversial scheme.

With the loss of 25 million records by the tax office, the theft of a laptop from the MOD and hundreds of thousands of patient records going missing from hospital trusts behind them, the Government will be issuing the first ID cards to foreign nationals this year as they push ahead with the initial stages of their plan.

So, should you be worried about data sharing and is there anything you can you do about it? Here are the main points of NO2ID's summary of the scheme:

• Not just a card. The card is the least of it...


• The Government has not made a case. There is no evidence the system will produce the stated benefits. Less liberty does not imply greater security


• Overcomplicated, unproven technology


• Identity cards will cost money that could be better spent


• Unchecked executive powers


• The National Identity Register creates specific new threats to individuals

Details of the scheme can be found on NO2ID's FAQ on ID cards or there's a list of the ways in which you can get involved.

If you have any questions about the scheme or how you can help the campaign, please contact us at birmingham@no2id.net and we will send you more information.

We will shortly be posting details of meetings and events on this site.