Cabinet at odds over ID cards
A draft bill on identity cards could yet find its way into the Queen’s speech later this month.
Though political analysts claim the likelihood of an UK-wide scheme is increasingly unlikely, the draft element of the proposal may help Home Secretary David Blunkett save face.
The draft bill leaves room for a possible backdown next year if opposition to the cards remains strong.
At a Cabinet sub-committee meeting yesterday, Mr Blunkett reportedly faced stinging criticism from colleagues over the controversial plans.
The Foreign Office, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Department for Transport are all opposed to the plan, according to reports.
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, who has had the brief of home secretary previously, is said to be against the ‘flawed’ idea as it may cause “a large-scale debacle which harms the Government”.
And chancellor Gordon Brown has said the scheme would prove too costly.
But Tony Blair is said to have lent support to the measure as it would help the fight against terrorism on UK soil.
Sources at the meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, said the ‘savage’ discussions were akin to ‘a bloodbath.’
The Queen’s speech is expected to include some 23 bills, covering issues such as corporate responsibility, the asylum system and university tuition fees.
