Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

ID cards remain a solution looking for a problem - Black

July 11, 2008 12:00 AM

Warnings by airlines and airport operators that ID cards will bring no significant improvement in security whilst increasing costs to passengers, has left the Government urgently needing to answer the question of what these cards are for, the Welsh Liberal Democrat Social Justice spokesperson, Peter Black has said.

Mr. Black was responding to comments reported in the Financial Times from UK airlines and airport operators. The British Air Transport Association have warned that Labour's ID card plan will add extra bureaucracy and cost to what they believe is already an extremely thorough system of vetting, criminal record checks and security measures in place at present.

Mr. Black said:

"ID cards are to be foisted upon airport staff from next year as part of Labour's plan to impose them upon the rest of us by stealth. One among the many reasons that Labour trot out to justify their obsession with ID cards is that they will magically protect us all.

"Yet the airlines and airport operators are warning that the cards will bring about no significant improvement in security; though they will increase costs to passengers. It is clear from this that ID cards remain a solution looking for a problem.

"If even this limited introduction is going to have no effect on security, then it is time for Labour to scrap the whole ID card scheme and spend the taxpayer's money they will save on providing us with more police and intelligence officers to catch terrorists and criminals."

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    southwaleslibdems.org.uk/en/article/2008/116060/id-cards-remain-a-solution-looking-for-a-problem-black
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    southwaleslibdems.org.uk/a051M

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    • If you choose to join our email list, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us. You do not need to join our email list to complete this form.


    • Generate different image