Labour’s ID cards scrapped
LABOUR'S discredited £5billion identity card scheme was consigned to the bin yesterday.
Home Secretary Theresa May said: “With swift Parliamentary approval, we aim to consign identity cards and the intrusive ID card scheme to history within 100 days.”
But the failed project, criticised as part of a drive towards a “Big Brother” state, is expected to leave the taxpayer with a bill of up to £357million,
The Government also confirmed that anyone who has already paid the £30 fee for an ID card will not receive any compensation.
Mrs May said the Bill to scrap the cards was a first step in turning the tide against state snooping.
The move will leave the Government with a £5million bill this year alone for terminating contracts, writing off equipment, making staff redundant and destroying data.
Alex Deane, of pressure group Big Brother Watch, said: “This is one in the eye for the authoritarian busybodies. Most people hated the ID cards.”