ID cards new reality?

LONDON – As part of the ripple effect of the tragic events on Sept 11 carrying identity cards may now be required here. According to Home Secretary David Blunkett mandatory ID cards is part of a plan to fight illegal immigration, welfare fraud and the new war on terrorism. Although specifics are still sketchy here’s how it will work. The card would have the fingerprint and possibly a scan of the iris of the holder’s eyes. Police would then have the authority to ask individuals to present their card at any time and failure to produce one could be punishable by a fine or even jail. According to opinion polls in the country 85% of the public support the use of ID cards. The system is estimated to cost $3 billion and if approved by the Cabinet and Parliament could be law as early as next year.