MPs can stop ID cards scheme - say Garston Lib Dems
June 29, 2005 1:21 PM
The government's reduced majority on the ID card vote in the Commons (28th June) means it will take only a small number of MPs to change sides for the whole idea to be thrown out.
The vote on the second reading of the ID card bill saw the government's majority fall to 31 (from its normal 66) with some Labour MPs voting with the opposition, and others staying away. One of the Liverpool Labour MPs - Bob Wareing from West Derby - was among 20 Labour rebels.
Garston Lib Dems are now calling on other MPs in Liverpool and Merseyside to vote against ID cards to make sure the scheme fails.
Says Garston Parliamentary Spokesperson Paula Keaveney:
" ID cards, and the database that goes with them, are simply wrong in principle. Its another way of the government trying to get control of citizens. The cards should be opposed on those grounds. But if MPs do not agree, there are plenty of other reasons to say no - not least the cost and the fact that experts say the cards won't do the job they are meant to do"
There are several more stages in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords before the ID cards bill is passed. The Lords are expected to have lots of objections, but the bill can only really be killed off if there is a vote against in the commons.
Liberal Democrats opposed ID cards in their manifesto in the recent General Election. Labour were in favour.
Further information on Lib Dem policies, including on ID cards and civil liberties is at www.libdems.org.uk
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