11 June 2004
Information watchdog Richard Thomas has attacked government plans to introduce universal ID cards. Thomas told the Commons' home affairs select committee on June 8 that he viewed the proposals with 'increasing alarm'.
The blueprint laid out by Home Secretary David Blunkett in April did not 'properly convey' the scope of the scheme, which involved setting up a central register of UK citizens.
'The introduction of such a register marks a sea-change in the relationship between the state and the individual,' he said.
Last month, 10,000 volunteers started a trial of the cards, which will include biometric details. Thomas said these cards could be 'a very, very attractive proposition for criminals'.
PFjun2004
