Identity Theft Check

Here follow a list of Frequently Asked Questions concerning the proposed British ID cards:

Was the Parliamentary Vote for ID Cards Unanimous?

No it wasn’t.

Both the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives have stated that they are against the whole scheme and would scrap it if they came into office.

The House of Lords also rejected the ID scheme five times in a row, before a compromise was reached that allowed for an initial opt-out from 2008.

What Information Will Be Stored About Us?

The government has tried to allay some fears about British ID cards, stating that they won’t store Person-Indentifying Information such as ethnicity, sexuality, religious views, criminal record, health or political leanings.

How Does the Scheme Affect Me Getting a New Passport?

From 2012, British citizens and residents will to go to privately-run “biometric enrolment centres” to be fingerprinted and probably interviewed, when we apply for a first or new passport.

The newly formed Identity and Passport Service will carry out a “background check” on all applicants to establish that they are who they say they are. Relevant details will be entered into the National Identity Register and the new passport will be issued along with the option of having an ID card.

Will the ID Cards Cost Much?

The starting fee for a stand-alone British ID card in 2009 and 2010 will, apparently, be £30 or less. This may increase over time.