ID cards a 'laminated poll tax'

12.41.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 25th Sep 2008

Today’s unveiling of the design for ID cards is another step towards the Government’s creation of a ‘laminated poll tax’, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne, said today.

The Liberal Democrats have consistently opposed ID cards, which are being introduced by the Labour Party and were initially supported by the Conservatives.

Nick Clegg has already said that he will break the law and refuse to provide his details to the ID Card database rather than sign up for the scheme.

Commenting on the new design revealed today, Chris Huhne said:

"It does not matter how fancy the design of ID cards is, they remain a grotesque intrusion on the liberty of the British people.

"The Government is using vulnerable members of our society, like foreign nationals who do not have the vote, as guinea pigs for a deeply unpopular and unworkable policy.

"When voting adults are forced to carry ID cards, this scheme will prove to be a laminated Poll Tax."