liberty central's civil liberties hero of the week: David Blunkett
David Blunkett. Photograph: Martin Argles/Guardian
Congratulations to David Blunkett for bravely performing a u-turn on identity cards. The former home secretary now believes the government should scrap plans to introduce ID cards and the national identity register. He recommends they introduce mandatory biometric passports instead. Speaking at a security conference, Blunkett said he had already suggested the idea to the current home secretary, Jacqui Smith.
Noting that a passport scheme would be considerably cheaper, Blunkett said: "Most people already have a passport but they might want something more convenient to carry around than the current passport and may be able to have it as a piece of plastic for an extra cost."
This move, he claimed, would allay the public's fears over a new "database of information".
The national identity register, which will compile "registrable facts" on ID cardholders, has been a lighting rod for critics of the identity card scheme.
liberty central is thrilled to have the man who championed the idea of introducing ID cards in 21st century – during his tenure as home secretary – join the massed ranks of those in opposition to the Home Office's proposed scheme.