Identifying the problem

I am sure most of the public who support identity cards believe its ability to help reduce the threat of terrorism. But hidden in Hansard on Monday comes the following response:

Mr. Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what contribution identity cards are intended to make to combating terrorism. [169442]

Mr. Browne: We know that about 35 per cent. of terrorists use false or multiple identities. An identity cards scheme which made it far more difficult to establish multiple identities would help to disrupt terrorist support networks.

As the Home Secretary has always made clear—going back to 2001—an identity card scheme would not guarantee to protect the UK against a terrorist attack. However, the Government have a duty to take all reasonable measures which will contribute to preventing and disrupting terrorist activity.
(Hansard, 17 May 2004, col. 773w)

Sounds to me like a case of the Government covering its own back in case something should happen. But if it won't do this, why the hell are we bothering with this hare-brained scheme? David Blunkett should be honest, own up and admit identity cards won't make people safer. Then we can tear up this stupid policy and all go home.

But I doubt they will...