It’s a beautiful day here in sunny Manchester. A time when my mind turns to the wonders of modern government and how it affects the Mancunion.

This "New" Labour government seems to have a very clear idea that more and more attention to being able to identify people with documents will create a highly secure and well-regulated society here in the UK.

And presumably with that aim in mind Manchester has been chosen as the first place to get the new electronic personal Id.

Home Office Suggest Crime Reduction

I don’t see how the Home Office expects National Id cards to reduce fraud or other crime. Don’t they know that criminals are able to duplicate all forms of documents, including passports. Why do they think that ID cards will be any different?

According to the BBC the home secretary is quoted as saying:

"ID cards will deliver real benefits to everyone, including increased protection against criminals, illegal immigrants and terrorists" 

Surely illegal immigrants will remain illegal?

How does an Id card that people can forge protect us from criminals? And yes I know they have fingerprints on, but so what?

And equally how on earth will ID cards protect us from terrorists if they’re already here? And I’m pretty sure that they could easily get National Id Cards anyway.

Voluntary For A Price

Everyone in Manchester’s really looking forward to applying for the new "passport."  Or at least some people may be. On reflection, maybe I mean some politicians will be.

Basically it’s yet another tax on the ordinary man in the street. Luckily the tax is currently a voluntary one and "only" costs a mere £30. Interestingly it is only available to passport holders. People are going to be able to register or them online.

Apparently the information that is held is no more than used on your passport. Hmm, I didn’t know the passport required a fingerprint.

Which begs the question: why have a new document when we have an existing one that appears to do the same job?

It will be highly entertaining to watch whether anyone actually registers for this ridiculous scheme.

I’ll be looking out as to how it’s going as time progresses and will keep you updated as to its progress.