It been so long since I updated this blog, so I think its best we had a few updates!

Well as the title suggests;

We have successfully gotten motions passed with both Worcestershire County Council and Wyre Forest District Council

It is thanks to some good councillors that the Worcestershire and Wyre Forest shall be shielded from the National Identity Scheme for as long as it is lawful. No pilot schemes and no feasibility studies etc..

Rather than me explain it in my words, here is the motion passed by both councils (names differing of course):

This Council notes the Government’s plans to introduce ID cards. This scheme will have an effect upon all of the people of the Wyre Forest District.

This Council believes:

1. That the disadvantages of such a scheme will outweigh any likely benefits to the people of Wyre Forest District.
2. That the scheme will do little, if anything, to prevent terrorism, crime or fraud.
3. That the national database that underpins the identity card scheme may facilitate criminal fraud, terrorism and potential state abuses of human rights.
4. That the ID card and database proposals are likely to fundamentally alter the relationship between the state and the individual.

According to Government estimates, the cost of such a scheme could reach

£7.5 billion, with independent commentators predicting substantially higher costs. Wyre Forest residents will be required to pay £93 for a passport and ID card together.

This Council resolves to:

1. Affiliate to the ‘No2ID’ campaign, which already includes MPs and several political parties.
2. Make representations at every possible stage, reiterating this Council’s opposition to ID cards.
3. Take no part in any pilot scheme or feasibility work in relation to the introduction of the national identity cards.
4. Make it a policy of the council to ensure that national identity cards would not be required to access council services or benefits unless specifically required to do so by law
5. Only co-operate with the national identity card scheme where to do otherwise would be unlawful.

Special Thanks to:

Councillors Fran Oborski and Howard Martin for their inital support on the initial proposed motion and all those who voted with the motion at their respective council meetings.

For those interested, the voting scores at each respective council were as follows:

WCC: 34 votes to two with 15 abstentions.

WFDC: 38 votes to 4