SMITH SPEAKS OUT TO PROTECT CIVIL LIBERTIES

2.02.20pm GMT Thu 13th Dec 2007

Iain Smith, MSP for North East Fife, has launched a string of attacks on the Government's ID card scheme.

The scheme is calculated by the Government to cost at least £5.31 billion with some experts claiming the end figure could reach as much as £19.2 billion and will be accompanied by a National Identity Register containing the individual personal details of each card holder in the form of their 'biographical footprint' and biometric data.

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament during a Liberal Democrat debate on Civil Liberties, Mr Smith said:

"You cannot protect our rights and freedoms against the threat from extremists who seek to undermine them by removing those rights and freedoms".

He continued: "ID cards will not deliver one of the reasons why the Government claim they are needed. They will not prevent identity theft or fraud or organised crime and there is not a shred of evidence that they will prevent terrorism".

Mr Smith also questioned the Governments ability to keep such detailed information secure:

"Look at the record! Data discs flying about the country going just about anywhere but where they are meant to be! Bank details of half the population lost. Details of vehicle registrations lost. Will ID cards prevent identity theft? Pull the other one.

"This Government's obsession with huge databases has put millions at risk of identity theft".