Having worked for over twenty years as a Criminal Defence and Human Rights lawyer, I am very mindful of any possible attack on our civil liberties. I had a number of concerns surrounding the Terrorism Bill, but my worries concerning ID cards were never that they were wrong in principle.

I have taken some time to consult the local community on ID cards and many of my constituents have expressed some worries about this matter. I have found that the majority of people agree with me that being provided with a card that proves beyond doubt who you are would be quite useful in the modern world.

The two biggest concerns that local people have expressed to me are to do with compulsory carrying of the card and cost. It must not be compulsory to carry it. The Identity Cards Bill would not make carrying an ID card compulsory and there would be no new powers for the Police to demand to see the card. I would not vote for the Bill if it made carrying an ID card compulsory.

Secondly, it must not be excessively expensive for the public and especially the poor. The cost price of the card is around £93. Charging the full cost price of the card to the public in my view is excessive. Over the summer, I had a number of meetings with Ministers from the Home Office on this issue and am glad that Charles Clarke, the Home Secretary, has announced that that the cost of the ID card will be £30. I have worked very hard for this compromise. Thirty pounds does not seem to be an excessive level at which to charge for ID cards, given how useful many people will find them: they will for example be able to be used as ID when travelling in Europe. However, I will continue to work for some provision that allows the cards to be even less for those in financial hardship.

Emily Thornberry MP
Islington South and Finsbury

9th March 2006