National Identity Scheme

Oral Answers to Questions — Home Department – in the House of Commons at 2:30 pm on 6 July 2009.

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Photo of Robert Goodwill Robert Goodwill Shadow Minister (Transport) 2:30, 6 July 2009

What recent representations he has received on the introduction of the national identity scheme.

Photo of Alan Johnson Alan Johnson The Secretary of State for the Home Department

Again, I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply that I gave some moments ago.

Photo of Robert Goodwill Robert Goodwill Shadow Minister (Transport)

When I was a member of the Select Committee on Transport, we visited Atocha station in Spain, the scene of the terrorist atrocity that took place there. Is he aware that every single member of the terrorist group involved carried Spanish identity cards?

Photo of Alan Johnson Alan Johnson The Secretary of State for the Home Department

I was aware of that, actually. I do not know what point the hon. Gentleman would make about it, but I would say this: as I made absolutely clear earlier, we are not saying that identity cards are being introduced because they will free us of a terrorist threat; they are being introduced for several reasons. I note from that specific case in Madrid that one of the perpetrators was traced through his identity card.