The government has advertised for an independent commissioner to oversee its controversial £4.7 billion national identity cards scheme.
The post has been advertised in the Sunday Times, and states the requirements that the candidate has "extensive experience" of working in the public and private sector, with a strong leadership record and "breadth of vision".
Since its inception, the identity cards scheme has been met with some vehement opposition, as people questioned the necessity of creating such a large database of people's sensitive information.
Downing Street has always argued the scheme would help protect the country against terrorists as well as limiting illegal immigration.
By creating a watchdog post, the Home Office hopes to reassure the public that their data is safe and that their human rights are not being infringed.
The commissioner, who will take home a six-figure annual salary, will act to oversee how the Identity and Passport Service stores and uses data. The initial term is for three years and will begin this summer.
Jacqui Smith, home secretary said: "I understand that people want strong oversight of the National Identity Scheme, and I agree that the security or integrity of the scheme should never be taken for granted."
Nevertheless the appointment comes some way into the scheme - the government has been planning it for several years, and began issuing the cards to foreign nationals last November, and during this year they will be issued to airport workers.
The ID cards will be issued on a voluntary basis to young people next year, and by 2011 the scheme will "enrol people at high volumes".
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YellowBeard said on Sat, 24 Jan 2009
No way am i gonna carry or accept an ID card.
Haku said on Sat, 24 Jan 2009
@YellowBeard
I feel the same way, but the way they're introducing them you likely won't get much choice about it. They're already picking on the foreginers, then it'll be the students, then anyone who wants NHS care or benefits, and pretty soon it'll be driving licences and back accounts. Good luck avoiding it.
The government have acted horribly at every turn on this issue, and it seems to me that voting out Labour in the next election is going to be the only way to stop this horrendous attack upon our freedom, sadly.
Haku said on Sat, 24 Jan 2009
correction to last post: *"bank accounts"
Slinky said on Sat, 24 Jan 2009
You know. I've always voted Labour, I'm left wing and fairly liberally minded. I grew up under the Conservatives and they were a nasty bunch and no mistake. Like most people I was hugely relieved when they finally left power.
But now. I don't know. I honestly can't vote for Labour knowing this is on their agenda. The conservatives have said they will stop this in its tracks. I'm really not sure if I can vote Conservative.... I guess I won't know until I go into the polling booth.
It makes me cry knowing that the Labour party is pushing ahead with this absolute BS plan
George Orwell said on Sat, 24 Jan 2009
Okay, so I was a bit early choosing the year 1984... but there's always 2014.
D Stevenson said on Sat, 31 Jan 2009
Politicians forever claim that increased control of people's lives and the removal of inalienable rights is for our own good. Of course they never ask the people what they want, as one would if the UK was a democracy. So who is really responsible? Party politicians who sell their vote and voice to gain and maintain their lucrative jobs? Or is it those of us who elect them - knowing full well that they will not represent the Constitution or the majority expressed will of their individual electorates?
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