ID cards pass first hurdle
A backbench rebellion on both the Conservative and Labour sides of the House was not enough to prevent ID cards clearing their first parliamentary hurdle last night.
Despite opposition from the Liberal Democrats and both Conservative and Labour backbenchers, the Government bill passed its first reading by 385 votes to 93.
The figures indicate that a significant number of MPs were absent from the Commons in a dent to both Tony Blair and Michael Howard’s authority. Around 70 Tories found an excuse to be away from the Commons.
In a passionate debate, Home Secretary Charles Clarke rejected the suggestion that ID cards would lead to the creation of a police state, claiming instead that they would help improve security.
While 19 Labour MPs backed an amendment to block the controversial scheme, the Government avoided the embarrassing rebellion that some commentators had been expecting.
The Conservative leadership also faced opposition from within as backbench MPs opposed the decision to back the Government.
Tory MP Bill Cash, holding a copy of George Orwell’s 1984, warned that the proposals represented a “sea change” in the relationship between the individual and the state.
However, his party’s home affairs spokesman, David Davis, said that in the wake of September 11th any measures that could improve security should be actively considered.
As well as bolstering security, the Government hopes ID cards will help tackle benefit fraud and illegal immigration.
Critics claim the scheme will be expensive and ineffective.
