Britain Proposes National ID Cards; Critics See a Political Ploy

[Khephra]

Invoking a global threat of terrorism, the British government announced plans today to introduce national identity cards for the first time since the Second World War. An opposition legislator responded that the government wanted to create a "climate of fear" in advance of elections expected next year.

The proposal was included in a list of 37 draft laws outlined by Queen Elizabeth II on behalf of the government at the ceremonial opening of Parliament, an event conducted with pomp from the golden Royal Throne in the House of Lords. While the queen, Britain's head of state, traditionally summarizes proposed legislation, the list is actually drawn up by government ministers.

The most contentious law related to a plan to begin introducing a national identity card in 2008, a measure the government asserts is needed to fight terrorism and organized crime, among other ills. In her speech, the queen said Britons "live in a time of global uncertainty with an increased threat from international terrorism and organized crime."

Speaking later, Prime Minister Tony Blair said, "With terrorism, illegal immigration and organized crime operating with so much greater sophistication, identity cards in my judgment are long overdue."

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/23/international/europe/23cnd-britain.html

[bhikkhu]

1. On NPR: ID cards, Trial w/out jury, etc...

A high-tech version of the fourteenth century.

[w4rma]

2. Blair is pushing things through that the Tories love (nt)

[Divine Discontent]

3. SOUNDS LIKE A

BUSH PLOY!

[AngryWhiteLiberal]

4. Achtung! Where are your papers...

You do not have the right stamp, impostor! Take the box car on the right!

History repeats itself...sadly.

JB

[saracat]

5. This sounds like Bush.

Creepy when you think how close Clinton and Blair were.

[ebayfool]

6. Blair saw how well it works here for Bush...

& I wouldn't be surprised to find out that he was given crib notes on exactly how to scare the populace into going along w/this. That 'Clinton and Blair were close' has been bugging me for awhile as well. How can Blair be so tight w/both? Makes you wonder if there are less differences between the leaders than we thought? Don't know - but it bugs!

[__Inanna__]

7. The more I research this whole subject

the more I agree with you about the differences maybe not being all that great.

My own opinion is we're moving toward that New World Order I've read about. It's the only thing that makes sense to me. There was a thread (I think) about how Britain is claiming they narrowly averted a terrorist attack (of the same variety, flying planes into buildings) recently -- the day before Blair was to have announced something politically unpopular. This is just too weird for my tastes, and the pieces are starting to really fit together in my mind.

[saracat]

8. Does make one wonder.

[CabalPowered]

9. I remember seeing Nat'l ID cards on the WH website

in 2001. The form for Webmail included Nat'l ID cards as a specific issue to comment on. Always thought that was weird considering the issue hasn't really been in play for decades.

[ebayfool]

10. Organized crime? Is this to be added to the GOP mantra next?

Just in case 'threat from international terrorism' doesn't scare people in line enough? Seems to be repeated like a talking point, maybe they share playbooks?!

[Briar]

11. Notice the mention of illegal immigration

This is, among other things, one of Blair's little bows to strongly xenophobic elements in the British electorate. As usual trying to be all things to all men (and women) he's now acting a Le Pen for us as well. Vote Labour and you needn't vote for the Tories or UKIP.