US wants to be able to access Britons' ID cards

[Robbien]

The United States wants Britain's proposed identity cards to have the same microchip and technology as the ones used on American documents.

The aim of getting the same microchip is to ensure compatability in screening terrorist suspects. But it will also mean that information contained in the British cards can be accessed across the Atlantic.

. . .

Mr Chertoff also proposed that British citizens wishing to visit the US should consider entering a "Trusted Traveller" scheme. Under this, they would forward their details to the US embassy to be vetted. If successful, they would receive a document allowing "fast- tracking" through the US immigration system.

. . .

Britain is one of 27 countries whose citizens do not need visas to enter the US if they intend to stay less than 90 days. The American government has said it wants 27 to issue new passports by 26 October this year containing a computer chip and a digital photograph.

Mr Chertoff said compatability and the checking system was intended purely to track down "terrorists and criminals" and the main aim was to provide a "fair and reasonable system".

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/story.jsp?story=641731

[Taxloss]

1. An evil idea goes from bad to worse!

Do these people have no shame?

[Karenina]

7. Errraaa...

No.

[merwin]

2. That would mean that the UK would be able to see OURS too. How

does that help our national security?

[Benhurst]

3. Little Tony "The Bridge" Blair had better cooperate or

his lord and master will be very angry.

[saltpoint]

4. on this issue:

Dubya's request
is smarmy at best
I hope that Blair
will grow a pair
and tell Bush 'No'
& Cheerio.

[bennywhale]

5. The 51st state is taking shape.

[htuttle]

8. Airstrip One

[bpilgrim]

6. thats why they were created...

up-or-down vote, damnit!


http://images.globalfreepress.com

peace

[doni_georgia]

9. Oh good grief

If Blair approves this one, either Labour will get voted out of power within a year (probably by a wide margin), or there will be major protests and possibly rioting in London. I don't think the Brits will respond any better to this 21st century version of the Stamp Act than we did to the original.

Tea, anyone?

Mac in Ga