7 May 2009

Manchester to pilot national identity cards in UK

5:32 am on 7 May 2009

The British government is pressing ahead with a scheme to introduce national identity cards with a pilot project in Manchester.

Opponents of the scheme, including members of the Labour Party, argue that the cards will be too expensive and threaten civil liberties.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith says the cards will help combat terrorism, identity fraud and illegal immigration.