Identity Cards Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 4:15 pm on 15 March 2006.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Lord Gould of Brookwood Lord Gould of Brookwood Labour 4:15, 15 March 2006

My Lords, the manifesto states quite clearly that it will be the case that as people apply for a passport they will, as time goes on, be able to have their identity card.

I shall tell noble Lords opposite why I know what the public think: it is because we asked them what they think, and they said that they support identity cards—and they support identity cards in significant numbers, with a great majority. It is such a failure for the House and Members opposite not to understand that if the people's will is rejected time and time again, confidence in this process will be undermined. I say to the House that enough is enough. Let us follow the will of the people. Let us trust the people, as the noble Baroness opposite said, and let us move on.