More controversy over UK ID cards

The British government is facing more problems over its plans to introduce identity cards.

Just a day before the scheme is returned to parliament for a vote, a report from the London School of Economics claims the cost of running it will be three times the official estimate. Some British papers have also reported information contained in the cards will be sold on to private companies for commercial purposes. Tony Blair’s administration has rejected both claims. But there is significant opposition to the proposal within the country. The opposition Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties have expressed serious concerns and even some within the ruling Labour party say they will vote against the bill. A rebellion by 19 Labour members of parliament forced the government to abandon a vote just ahead of May’s general election. The cards are planned to be introduced from 2008.

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