‘Don’t buy an ID card’ — Tories

THE Tories have urged all young people considering getting an identity card to spend their money on something more worthwhile.

Shadow Immigration Minister Damian Green said the cards are hugely intrusive and would be scrapped under a Conservative Government.

The cards were made available to people living in Greater Manchester at the end of November. Since then more than 2,400 people have applied for a card and more than 1,200 have been issued.

From early February, 16-24-year-olds in Greater London will be able to apply for a card, and the scheme will be rolled out across the UK for 16-24-year-olds who express an interest.

Mr Green said: “I would advise any 16-24 year old who is thinking of spending £30 on this pointless scheme, which will open people up to huge Government intrusion, to spend their money elsewhere. A Conservative Government will scrap ID cards.”

Ministers say the £30 card provides a secure and convenient way for people to prove their identity whether they are travelling in Europe — the cards can also be used in place of a passport throughout Europe — or buying age-restricted goods.