Another challenge to the Conservative leader

UKIP opposes identity cards (otherwise known as internal passports) as a matter of principle. They are not only useless and expensive but a serious and unwarranted breach of individual liberty; they change the relationship between the citizen and the state: instead of the state being at the disposal of its citizens, they become its servants.

At the London Assembly we have already made the point that our objections could be overcome if it were proved incontrovertibly that ID cards are essential, useful and indispensable in the fight against terror. However, we know that Britain has been fighting internal terrorists reasonably successfully for 30 years without the benefit or otherwise of internal passports.

As we have mentioned before, evidence given by a Metropolitan Police officer to the MPA stated clearly that ID cards were of no real use at all.

Michael Howard, the leader of the Conservative Party, today published an article in which he explained why he was going to vote for ID cards, despite many misgivings and strongly expressed opposition in his own party. He mentioned airily that he had been told by police and security chiefs that these documents “can and will help” the fight against terrorism. In a press release this afternoon, UKIP at the London Assembly challenged Mr Howard to produce his evidence. As a lawyer, he ought to know that evidence is worthless, unless it is made clear.

Text of press release:

UKIP Challenges Howard on ID cards


The UK Independence Party at the London Assembly today challenged Michael Howard to produce the evidence from police and security chiefs who, he alleges, have told him that ID cards "can and will" help their efforts to protect people against
terrorist acts.

This contradicts the Metropolitan Police statement made to the London Assembly on 8th December. When asked by UKIP London Assembly Leader Damian Hockney: "Is there any evidence that compulsory identity cards would help protect London from a terrorist attack?" the Metropolitan Police representative produced no such evidence.

Damian Hockney said: "Extensive research by UKIP staff has not uncovered any data from anywhere in the world that supports Mr Howard's contention. If Mr Howard has any evidence from police and security chiefs, now must be the time to reveal it. Otherwise his assertion is worthless.

"UKIP is opposed to the introduction of compulsory ID cards as a matter of principle. If Mr Howard cannot produce his evidence he must retract and apologise for misleading the public."
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