Identity Cards Act 2006
Controversial plans for the introduction of identity cards featured in the 2005 Queen’s speech. The identity card scheme would give every UK resident a secure and reliable method of proving their identity, although it would not be compulsory to carry the card.
A Bill to introduce identity cards was the Home Office’s “flagship Bill” for the short 2004-05 session. However, the Bill failed to become law before Parliament was dissolved. Although the Bill passed all stages in the Commons it only reached its second reading in the Lords. The legislation was first introduced as a draft Bill in April 2004, followed by a select committee report on the Bill. Whilst a majority of MPs on the home affairs committee supported the scheme, concerns were raised over access to data and the potential escalation of the use of cards by the authorities.
The government believes identity cards will enable more effective access to public services, combat illegal working and immigration abuse as well as tackling identity fraud. The scheme will mean free public services are used only by those entitled to them. British citizens will be able to travel freely with their identity card.
Under the Bill no one will initially be forced to carry the card but they would have to register for a new look passport expected to cost around £93 or a drivers’ licence containing biometric data, or else register for a separate ID card. A new agency, comprising the United Kingdom Passport Service and the Immigration and Nationality Directorate, will oversee the scheme.
Public and private sector organisations will be able to verify a person’s identity by checking against the register. The Bill will set out what information will be held on the register.
The Home Office previously reported “widespread, substantial support” for the scheme after consulting on its proposals between mid-2002 and early 2003. However, a number of Labour backbenchers are reportedly sceptical about the scheme. The Liberal Democrats are opposed to the introduction of identity cards and the Conservatives are split on the issue.
House of Commons
First reading: May 25 2005 (HC Bill 9)
Second reading: June 28 2005
Standing Committee D:
- 1st sitting: July 5 2005 (am)
- 2nd sitting: July 6 2005
- 3rd sitting: July 7 2005 (am)
- 4th sitting: July 7 2005 (pm)
- 5th sitting: July 12 2005 (am)
- 6th sitting: July 12 2005 (pm)
- 7th sitting: July 14 2005 (am)
- 8th sitting: July 14 2005 (pm)
- 9th sitting: July 19 2005 (am)
- 10th sitting: July 19 2005 (pm)
- 11th sitting: July 21 2005 (am)
Remaining stages: October 18 2005
House of Lords
First reading: October 19 2005 (HL Bill 28)
Second reading: October 31 2005
Committee:
- 1st day: November 15 2005
- 2nd day: November 16 2005
- 3rd day: November 23 2005
- 4th day: December 12 2005
- 5th day: December 14 2005
- 6th day: December 19 2005
- Bill as amended: HL Bill 55
Report stage:
- 1st day: January 16 2006
- 2nd day: January 23 2006
- 3rd day: January 30 2006
Third reading: February 6 2006
House of Commons
Consideration of Lords amendments: February 13 2006
House of Lords
Consideration of Commons amendments: March 6 2006
House of Commons
Consideration of Lords amendments: March 13 2006
House of Lords
Consideration of Commons amendments:
House of Commons
Consideration of Lords message:
Royal Assent: March 30 2006
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