Bedfordshire rejects ID Cards - official!

On Thursday 10th May 2007, by a resounding majority (31-3), Bedfordshire County Council voted in favour of the following…

1. This Council, in the name of the privacy of each individual, rejects the uncontrolled collection and storing of data relevant to identity.

Without control this data is currently being collected by stealth.
Examples of such data collection are:-
- DNA recorded at birth by NHS
- Finger printing of children in schools
- Recording of diet by questioning children in schools
- Supermarket analysis of purchases by credit card

Whilst apparently harmless and well intentioned separately, a combination of these records by computer is much simpler and easier than the initial data collection. This data could lead to significant loss of privacy if compounded.

New privacy laws that control data collection and use when referring to individuals are demanded.

2. The Council acordingly resolves to:

a) Take no part in any pilot scheme or feasibility work in relation to the introduction of the national identity cards, based upon current Government proposals for such a scheme, or unless specifically required to by law.

b) Make it a policy of the Council to ensure that national identity cards will not be required to access Council services or benefits unless specifically required to do so by law.

c) Oppose the introduction of national identity cards and will write to the Home Secretary to inform him of Council policy.

d) Take no part in the national database unless required to do so by law and protect our residents data to the best of our ability.

This was an amendment to an original motion proposed by LibDem Councillor Susan Gaszczak in December last.

If this is indicative of the county’s population as a whole, and that in turn is simply a microcosm of the country, then it amply confirms what we’ve long believed - that the Government are trying to force ID cards upon us against the wishes of the majority.