Lib Dems lead opposition to ID cards (Mole Valley Liberal Democrats)

Mole Valley Liberal Democrats <info@molevalleylibdems.org.uk>

Lib Dems lead opposition to ID cards

December 5, 2008 2:58 PM

Paul Elderton proposed the motion at Mole Valley DC

Liberal Democrat motions opposing Council involvement with national identity cards have been adopted by both Mole Valley District Council & Surrey County Council. They reflect widespread concern at the vast cost of this project and the implications of the planned national database for civil liberties.

Mole Valley District Council has unanimously passed a Liberal Democrat motion proposed by Lib Dem Councillor for Dorking North Paul Elderton. Paul warned that the ID scheme will erode trust: "It will break down the bond between the nurse and the person being treated, between the teacher and the child in the class - it's the 'who are you?' question and basically as a country we have never asked that 'who are you?' question. We have always accepted people as they are including newcomers, many of whom will want to stay with us and become part of our community."

Stephen Cooksey - Lib Dem County Councillor for Dorking and the Holmwoods - proposed a similar motion for Surrey County Council, which was adopted by a majority on the Conservative-controlled council. He commented: "The ID card scheme is a vastly expensive waste of taxpayers' money. We want to protect local residents from the financial pressures that ID cards would impose on all of us."