A public consultation was launched last year to gauge reaction to plans for a national identity card scheme, dubbed an 'entitlement' card, which would probably incorporate biometric data. No legislation has yet been proposed, but Home Secretary David Blunkett remains determined.
Blunkett has overseen other developments in recent months that could help to pave the way for his proposed card scheme technology in the future.
Last month the Home Office announced that biometric visas were to be phased in for all visitors from overseas requiring visas while a pilot scheme for the next generation passport was launched. These new passports will contain data representing fingerprints and iris scans. But human rights groups warned that the test is just a front – a convenient way to prepare for a biometric national ID card.
The results of the consultation showed that the majority of respondents opposed the scheme. Then, in July, Tony Blair indicated that there would be no quick moves towards ID cards, citing cost and technical reasons.
Notwithstanding, it was anticipated that the forthcoming Labour conference would see an ID card announcement, particularly since the Home Office has advertised for a manager to oversee the implementation of the scheme. On Thursday, however, Blunkett indicated that the Cabinet has now put ID cards onto the back burner.
The Home Secretary told the Home Affairs Select Committee that he had that day reported to the Cabinet on the progress of the ID card scheme, but that no decision would be made on implementing the scheme until later in the year. He added to the Select Committee, however, to rely on him to persuade sceptics "that it will be all right in the end."