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There is a growing momentum for the introduction of ID cards, especially on grounds of security. Cards are to become compulsory this year for foreign nationals from outside Europe living in Britain, and for 200,000 airport workers and Olympic security staff from next year. British home secretary Jacqui Smith wants public-sector workers such as teachers, nurses and care staff in "positions of trust" to be given a fast-track incentive to sign up early for an ID card to get the "critical mass" she needs for the scheme.
The issue of ID cards is not new. Hong Kong for instance has been using them to great success and public acclaim long before the handover where they were introduced by British authorities as a uniform and simple method of identification.
The United Arab Emirates and other countries are also examining their introduction. On security and commercial grounds the cards make enormous sense. But in Britain especially, the debate focuses not unnaturally on a question of identity safety. There have been too many cases recently where public data files have gone missing. Any ID cards scheme must be totally secure and have full public confidence. Once this is guaranteed their introduction will have enormous benefits for all law-abiding members of the public.
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