Liberal Democrat Leaders across Greater Manchester Slam ID Cards Trail

Liberal Democrat Leaders across Greater Manchester have hit out at Labour's plane to trial their controversial ID cards scheme across Greater Manchester. As part of the trial, anyone in the city over the age of 16 with a valid UK passport will be able to apply for an ID card at their local post office or pharmacy, at the cost of up to £60.

Stockport Council Leader Dave Goddard, Oldham Council Leader Howard Sykes, Rochdale Council Leader Alan Taylor and Manchester Opposition Leader Simon Ashley have joined forces to show their opposition.

Leader of Rochdale Council, Alan Taylor, said: "I oppose these plans for ID cards on grounds that they will be expenxsive and ineffective. On the government's own estimates (and they are always an underestimate) the cost will be over £5.2billion."

"Labour claims that ID cards will boost national security and prevent identity theft. Yet all the Madrid bombers had ID cards, and time and again this government has shown that they can't be trusted with our personal data. I believe that this Greater Manchester trial will prove to be another expensive flop. When everyone in Rochdale is feeling the pinch, who in their right mind is going to pay to sign up for an ID card?"

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen, who has voted very strongly against the introduction of ID cards in Parliament, said: "There are major issues regarding ID Cards, both financial and practical. ID Cards will cost the taxpayer up to £5Billion and I cannot see how the Government can justify spending that amount on this scheme, especially during the current financial position they have put us in. We have been told that the card will cost individuals up to £200 each. The people of Rochdale, especially those on low incomes such as pensioners, should not be forced to pay for them."

Paul continued: "The Government has proven on too many occasions recently that they cannot be trusted to look after our personal data. If the government are serious about tackling rising crime and terrorism they should be using this money to provide Rochdale with more police for our streets and community relation projects. This scheme is a total waste of money and will do nothing to curb people's fear of crime and I will continue to oppose the introduction of this scheme in Parliament."