Blair wins vote on ID cards scheme

Blair wins vote on ID cards scheme

	Published : Tue, 14 Feb 2006 13:55 By : Amy Watts Print this Story

LONDON: Prime minister Tony Blair survived a Commons vote Monday when the Parliament voted 310 to 279 to introduce the national identity card scheme. The measure was first approved in October but it could not get through in the Lords in January.

Blair had faced opposition from his own Labour Party colleagues, who at one time argued that the introduction of the system will not improve national security. On the contrary, they contended, it will infringe on civil liberties and will be a costly affair.

Blair enjoys a nominal lead of 64 in Parliament and any rebellion by his own rank and file is a serious threat to him. Political analysts say he has now demonstrated that he can stave off rebellion and get laws passed.

The prime minister now faces another vote Wednesday when MPs will decide the anti-terrorism legislation. The bill, which got through Commons by a mere single vote last time, was stalled by the Lords.

Blair was not present as he was still held up in South Africa where he was on a visit, though he had cut it short to be in London. Unfortunately, his plane developed some engine trouble and he had to stay put in Pretoria.

The government intends to issue the first of the ID cards in about two years now. These cards, the government insists, are intended to combat terrorism and identity fraud.

The House of Lords had sought an amendment to make the entire scheme voluntary. The government's critics also said the insistence that anyone who applies for a passport would be added to the national database and he or she would be provided with an identify card, was a backdoor way of forcing people on to the register. However, Blair's ministers insisted that this was fundamental to the success of the scheme and won the vote. The government gave in to a demand for six-monthly reports on the cost of ID cards. The ministers also got backbench support with a promise that the government will seek another vote before the scheme becomes compulsory.

A civil liberties group, NO2ID, demonstrated in front of the Parliament arguing that it is disrespectful to fingerprint and number and tag a citizen.

Home secretary Charles Clarke had said a stand-alone ID card would cost 30 pounds, while one linked to a passport would cost 93 pounds.