WHERE NEXT?

PRESS RELEASE

Local opposition to ID cards
Over 120 people attended a public meeting about ID cards held at Tottenham Green Leisure Centre on Thursday 23rd September. Speakers outlined the Government's plans to put a bill before parliament later this year to introduce Identity Cards and start compiling a national database of the entire population.

These include:
* The creation of a National Identity Register, containing detailed information about everyone over 16 who is in the UK for more than 3 months.

* From 2007 anyone applying for or renewing their driving licence or passport will have to have an ID card version, be entered on the Register, and pay an extra £35 for this.

* A requirement to notify the government every time you move address, with a £1000 penalty if you fail to do so.

* A requirement to attend for a biometric scan (of fingerprints, iris or face), with a £1000 penalty if you fail to attend.

Following the speeches many Haringey residents expressed concern about increasing government powers and the move towards a 'surveillance society', where people are presumed guilty until proven innocent.

The packed out meeting then agreed to start a campaign in Haringey against ID cards, to alert everyone to the dangers of the government plans and to encourage defiance of any attempts by the government to force ID cards on the population.

The meeting was organised by Haringey Solidarity Group, further public information is available at www.haringey.org.uk

Haringey Solidarity Group is an independent group of local people with no connections to any political party. It was formed 14 years ago following the defeat of the poll tax, when anti-poll tax campaigners decided to continue working together locally to support and campaign on other issues affecting people in Haringey.