Blackburn ID card centre launched (From Lancashire Telegraph)
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Blackburn ID card centre launched
2:50pm Friday 26th February 2010 in Blackburn
ON THE CARDS: Coun Suleman Khonat has his fingerprints taken for the identity card
MORE than 200 people in Blackburn have already signed up for controversial national identity cards, which were officially launched in the town this morning.
After a pilot project in Greater Manchester and parts of London the cards, which can be used as an alternative to a passport, are now available to people in Lancashire.
The cards have been championed by Jack Straw and the Labour government but initial plans to make the cards compulsory have now been dropped.
Councillor Suleman Khonat became the first person to enrol his fingerprint biometrics for the card at Blackburn’s Identity and Passport Office in Ainsworth Street today.
He is one of 200 people who live or work in Blackburn who have already booked an appointment to enrol for a card.
The £30 cards can be used as a proof of age and identity.
They can also be used to travel around Europe in place of a passport.
Coun Khonat said: “I’m delighted that people in Blackburn can now enrol for an Identity Card in the town centre.
“The card is easy to carry, costs £30, and helps protect the owner from identity theft and fraud. Not only that, it will enable the holder to travel in Europe.”
The Home Office minister responsible for identity cards, Meg Hillier, said: “We have always said that after the initial roll-out to residents of Greater Manchester we would seek to expand the scheme across the North West as soon as possible.
“This exciting announcement is the next stage in offering voluntary identity cards to everyone living in the UK.
“Identity cards are already proving themselves extremely useful in daily life, from opening a bank account to entering a nightclub, and for travel to Europe.”
Anyone who lives or works in the town and holds a current or recently expired British passport can apply for a card.
The cards have been controversial because of the huge cost to the government and data issues as well as fears they could be made compulsory for everyone.
People have also questioned the need for the cards when people can use passports.
For more information or make an appointment for an identity card call 0300 330 0000.
The cards will be rolled out across the rest of the county and the country later this year.
Comments(53)
happycyclist
says...
11:19am Fri 26 Feb 10
It's the cost that really bugs me though. If they eventually become compulsory, it follows that it will be illegal not to have one and therefore anyone who can't afford one will become a criminal. Absurd.
It's possible to be born a free man in this counrty, legally pay nothing to the state for anything for your entire life, and then die a free man. Compulsorty ID cards that have to be paid for will change that and if that's not a gross infringement of 'human rights' I don't know what is.
Shabir Logat
says...
11:28am Fri 26 Feb 10
At a time when we are facing the biggest budget deficit, this is a waste of time. It's an intrusion on our liberty by this Communist Labour Government and the stooges like the Labour Councillor have no clue what he is doing!
People will still enter Britain using foreign documents (genuine or forged) and ID cards offer no more deterrent to people smugglers than passports and visas!
Orwellian Britain, here we come!
AkitaRedRose
says...
11:43am Fri 26 Feb 10
akon
says...
11:50am Fri 26 Feb 10
You honestly took the words out of my mouth .Spot on !!
The Labour fascist machine is coming to an end,but is it too late?
excaliber
says...
12:02pm Fri 26 Feb 10
happycyclist wrote:Yes, any element of compulsion violates individual freedom. Private companies producing and issuing them will profit from our loss of civil liberties.
Hardcore, well-financed criminals and terrorists will find a way to forge them so to say that they will improve security is a nonsense. And given that they'll be more expensive than a passport, I'd hope they would allow us to travel without a passport.
It's the cost that really bugs me though. If they eventually become compulsory, it follows that it will be illegal not to have one and therefore anyone who can't afford one will become a criminal. Absurd.
It's possible to be born a free man in this counrty, legally pay nothing to the state for anything for your entire life, and then die a free man. Compulsorty ID cards that have to be paid for will change that and if that's not a gross infringement of 'human rights' I don't know what is.
Mossad will also be in the black market that will undoubtedly arise.
Joseph Yossarian
says...
12:17pm Fri 26 Feb 10
Cost £2,000 valid two years.
A complete and total disgrace
John Peters
says...
12:22pm Fri 26 Feb 10
http://www.no2id.net
/
Black Clio Guy.
says...
12:33pm Fri 26 Feb 10
burner
says...
12:44pm Fri 26 Feb 10
Mike Costa
says...
1:06pm Fri 26 Feb 10
What a great day for Blackburn. What an excellent idea! You can be sure that I, Mrs Costa, and all the little Costas will be down to collect our cards at the earliest opportunity?
Question: Do we win a prize or get a free gift if we all sign on at once?
What on earth are all you lot complaining about? Got something to hide?
excaliber
says...
1:07pm Fri 26 Feb 10
Joseph Yossarian wrote:£2,000 valid for 2 years? The governments website says they
My wife (as an immigrant) has to have one. No choice in the matter.
Cost £2,000 valid two years.
A complete and total disgrace
cost £30 and are valid for 10 years.
http://idsmart.direc
t.gov.uk/about-the-c
ard.html
Says you can get them from IPS offices in London, Manchester, Liverpool and Blackburn. Wonder why Blackburn?
Mike Costa
says...
1:17pm Fri 26 Feb 10
excaliber wrote:Mike Costa says:
Joseph Yossarian wrote: My wife (as an immigrant) has to have one. No choice in the matter. Cost £2,000 valid two years. A complete and total disgrace£2,000 valid for 2 years? The governments website says they cost £30 and are valid for 10 years. http://idsmart.direc t.gov.uk/about-the-c ard.html Says you can get them from IPS offices in London, Manchester, Liverpool and Blackburn. Wonder why Blackburn?
Quite. Why Blackburn? Thinly veiled reason I would think
blackburn south
says...
1:21pm Fri 26 Feb 10
De La Rosa
says...
2:19pm Fri 26 Feb 10
happycyclist
says...
2:43pm Fri 26 Feb 10
Mike Costa wrote:Mike,
Mike Costa says:
What a great day for Blackburn. What an excellent idea! You can be sure that I, Mrs Costa, and all the little Costas will be down to collect our cards at the earliest opportunity?
Question: Do we win a prize or get a free gift if we all sign on at once?
What on earth are all you lot complaining about? Got something to hide?
What about the people who can't afford them?
Mike Costa
says...
3:00pm Fri 26 Feb 10
Pay? You have to pay for them?!? I thought they paid us to have one.
In that case. The whole idea stinks and I withdraw my support forthwith!
Shabir Logat
says...
3:01pm Fri 26 Feb 10
happycyclist wrote:ID Cards - A Bureaucrat's Luxury
Mike Costa wrote: Mike Costa says: What a great day for Blackburn. What an excellent idea! You can be sure that I, Mrs Costa, and all the little Costas will be down to collect our cards at the earliest opportunity? Question: Do we win a prize or get a free gift if we all sign on at once? What on earth are all you lot complaining about? Got something to hide?Mike, What about the people who can't afford them?
frank
says...
3:38pm Fri 26 Feb 10
slammer
says...
3:39pm Fri 26 Feb 10
neilorourke
says...
4:04pm Fri 26 Feb 10
Viv
says...
4:05pm Fri 26 Feb 10
burner wrote:What makes you say that burner? Because they DO allow you to travel in the EU without needing your passport. You already can if you are a citizen of almost anywhere other than the UK.
They most certainly do NOT allow you to travel in the EU without a passport. Waste of money.
Viv
says...
4:08pm Fri 26 Feb 10
There is a very big diffence - different design and very different reason for having one.
neilorourke
says...
4:40pm Fri 26 Feb 10
Only 5,000 ID cards have been issued since last year in the north west of England and to 18 to 24-year-olds in London.
No2ID are having a launch event in Blackburn on 15th March. Email them blackburn@no2id.net
excaliber
says...
4:48pm Fri 26 Feb 10
neilorourke wrote:One sided and sycophantic. Especially since nearly all the posts up to now are against it. This article would have us believe that it is a wonderful thing to be deprived of your civil liberties and pay 30 quid for the privilege. Talk about sucking up to the establishment.
What a one sided article. LET not find anyone to comment against the ID Card? (www.no2id.net)
blackburn south
says...
5:04pm Fri 26 Feb 10
AkitaRedRose wrote:Don`t forget the community police are going to start carrying cameras. This is just the beginning they`ll be flying drones over Blackburn before too long.
First CCTV sprouted up everywhere in the UK ( i believe there are now more cameras per head of population than anywhere else in the world ), then along came speed cameras which graduated to ANPR cameras and now finally face recognition cameras which are positioned around the outskirts of Blackburn. This identity card is the final nail in the coffin of our human rights, because they WILL become compulsory. Do-gooders say what you want, because you know that this is the start of a slippery road. ! 1984 here we come!!
Lifeinthemix
says...
5:08pm Fri 26 Feb 10
.
The ID Card is so that when the police move in on you as they did to the Colne photographer, you enter into contract with the police by definition of the fact you have an ID Card with your corporate identity.
.
So I would advise everyone to nhever carry ID in any form which will enter you into contract by default, with the corporate statute Act private security.
.
The definition of an Act is a play a deception.
.
They first release the script they want you all to act...then get you asll to 'Act in the way they want.
.
This has been accomplished very well so far under the Contingency Act of 2004, our whole body politic is now existing not as a democracy, but under contingency.
.
Full Details :
.
http://www.lifeinthe
mixtalk.com/?p=4326
neilorourke
says...
5:16pm Fri 26 Feb 10
blackburn south wrote:The use of drones is on its way.
AkitaRedRose wrote: First CCTV sprouted up everywhere in the UK ( i believe there are now more cameras per head of population than anywhere else in the world ), then along came speed cameras which graduated to ANPR cameras and now finally face recognition cameras which are positioned around the outskirts of Blackburn. This identity card is the final nail in the coffin of our human rights, because they WILL become compulsory. Do-gooders say what you want, because you know that this is the start of a slippery road. ! 1984 here we come!!Don`t forget the community police are going to start carrying cameras. This is just the beginning they`ll be flying drones over Blackburn before too long.
CCTV in the sky: police plan to use military-style spy drones
http://www.guardian.
co.uk/uk/2010/jan/23
/cctv-sky-police-pla
n-drones
blackburn south
says...
5:20pm Fri 26 Feb 10
burner
says...
5:54pm Fri 26 Feb 10
time.team
says...
6:06pm Fri 26 Feb 10
Michael@ClitheroeSince58
says...
6:08pm Fri 26 Feb 10
Davidoff
says...
6:11pm Fri 26 Feb 10
There is a very profitable industry out there whether on the black market or in the public domain where data is sold for profit ... which is precisely what those 200 names are now: data.
Well, they along with everyone else who thnks there are wonderful ideas - 'you've got nothing to hide brigade' which is complete and utter garbage because you are so solid in your believe that NOTHING can happen to people, innocent people ... then you've never lived, never experienced things is all I can say until it happens to you that is - are clearly utterly very naive human beings.
Yes, we used to have ID cards in the war but ... in those days quite simply we didn't have mass communication like we do now, certainly no computers it was all done by and through people. Then when the war was over there was clearly no need for them anymore. Until now.
But from what I can see there are those out there in this world who are clearly as naive as the MPs who have foisted this on us - by making you believe this is all perfectly innocent. But why aren't they having to have an ID card? Surely, sensible people by now should be asking the most simple question here: WHY??
Clearly, government is now targetting the NW for these 'trials'.
Your data is not safe with these people, the incompetence display where data security has been concerned from NHS, local councils, schools, social services and MOD, government themselves is utterly astonishing. Like leaving a USB on a train. Very lax. But that also begs the question (or they are too thick to do their jobs correctly and purely leave things like that lying around anyway for anyone to pick up like a candy bard) why? So many 'security lapses' in the last few years where our data is concerned? What is really going on here, is someone leaving them for some criminal to take, make a profit from? Or are they not fit to carry the responsibility of it?
As for the Data Protection Act in this country what an absurdity that has proven over the years given the apalling amount of things we read in that direction.
I expect, then, these data handlers would leave or give their house keys to any old stranger out in the street as they seem to leave data lying around in the same way. Because I really do believe that some people are that naive in this day and age.
Like I said, more fool those 200 signed up to this. But more fool the rest of us if government makes it the 'law'.
Finally, the ICO (Information Commisioners Office eg the person in charge of data protection things in this country) has expressed very serious concerns about the technology involved here and the safety of the data itself. Guess what? It's all been ignored by the government. Then, surely, there is everyone's answer - the government WANT this to be rolled out whether anyone wants it or not. What's new, then?
Lifeinthemix
says...
6:55pm Fri 26 Feb 10
It is made to decieve people that they are indeed a police constable (PC).
.
But what does it stand for :
.
Police Community Support Officer.
.
They are guilty of impersonating a police constable, the police authority is then guilty of aiding and abetting a police constable impersonator, individual police constables are also guilty of aiding and abetting a
criminal act, I urge all police constables to heed this information, as it is your job to arrest those who break common law, it was the Oath you took, it is your duty.
.
Rank does not come into this matter, only your mandate and reason for your existence, arrest all those who are guilty of impersonating a police constable and those in high rank who are deceiving you all this is so.
.
We then give pardon to all people who have been deceived into acting in a criminal manner, with exception of those who knowingly made this so.
Lifeinthemix
says...
6:57pm Fri 26 Feb 10
pez63
says...
7:20pm Fri 26 Feb 10
blackburn south
says...
8:19pm Fri 26 Feb 10
pez63 wrote:Which ear do you want your micro chip in buddy left or right?
Its a great idea lets greet it with open arms and then round up the ones who don`t have any right to be here.I am up for DNA taken and placed on data base at birth with fingerprints and eye recognition as well.If every-bodies DNA is on data base we would`t need a camera on every street corner.And sex offenders would be dealt with much quicker than they are today.Its only a matter of time before its reality so don`t worry yourselves over a poxy £30 card.(lots better to come).AM SURE OF THAT.
Viv
says...
10:20pm Fri 26 Feb 10
burner wrote:So you're relying on your facts from one article where one person was confronted by someone from a travel company who didn't understand the law - I prefer to find out the proper facts, I suggest you do too.
viv, I refer you to an item in the national press not that long ago about a guy from Manchester who tried to travel out of Harwich. Sorry, don't remember any names or details but he was refused travel. He wasn't best pleased, that's why he went to the press. Have you tried to but Euros in the town centre here without a passport?
bankhall
says...
10:51pm Fri 26 Feb 10
local chap
says...
8:26am Sat 27 Feb 10
time.team wrote:theres a fingerprint on it ,which will sort out all the problems of the false claiming dole /benifits fookers ,if you nowt to hide get one it will be used as a passport in 2011 to travel ,the passport isnt the secure thing and this will be the start of id ,linked to your bank ,credit ect ,it will reduce crime and dole b4st4rds and druggies cant have em to use to travel they mark the card has a drivers license informing foriegn borders of the person entering the country,all these fookers coming in taking and sending it back home will be stopped ,big big move by the goverment ,but not saying it does all this yet hush hush ,i argree cctv and all the other things invade your privacy but come on this one thing does the lot ,if you a good citizen and taxpayer like to rest ,we all will benifit this card due to things it is liked to,the iris is the best form of id but for now the finger print on the card id the next best thing ,watch this space all the benifit claimers exposed and fraud theft will come down in this country
The photo could be a problem in Blackburn? How on earth can anyone tell the difference between one veil/burka and another!
blackburn south
says...
10:07am Sat 27 Feb 10
local chap wrote:Another one who wants a microchip in his ear.
time.team wrote: The photo could be a problem in Blackburn? How on earth can anyone tell the difference between one veil/burka and another!theres a fingerprint on it ,which will sort out all the problems of the false claiming dole /benifits fookers ,if you nowt to hide get one it will be used as a passport in 2011 to travel ,the passport isnt the secure thing and this will be the start of id ,linked to your bank ,credit ect ,it will reduce crime and dole b4st4rds and druggies cant have em to use to travel they mark the card has a drivers license informing foriegn borders of the person entering the country,all these fookers coming in taking and sending it back home will be stopped ,big big move by the goverment ,but not saying it does all this yet hush hush ,i argree cctv and all the other things invade your privacy but come on this one thing does the lot ,if you a good citizen and taxpayer like to rest ,we all will benifit this card due to things it is liked to,the iris is the best form of id but for now the finger print on the card id the next best thing ,watch this space all the benifit claimers exposed and fraud theft will come down in this country
l m h jones
says...
1:40pm Sat 27 Feb 10
30 Jun 2009
Responding to the new Home Secretary's announcement on ID cards today, Isabella Sankey, Director of Policy for Liberty, said:
“The Home Secretary needs to be clear as to whether entry onto the National Identity Register will continue to be automatic when applying for a passport. If so, the identity scheme will be compulsory in practice. However you spin it, big ears, four legs and a long trunk still make an elephant. And this white elephant would be as costly to privacy and race equality as to our purses.”
A Darener
says...
2:04pm Sat 27 Feb 10
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain (including Canaries and the Balearics, which are provinces of Spain)
Sweden
But I'm still not getting one!!!!
burner
says...
7:48pm Sat 27 Feb 10
promusso
says...
8:14pm Sat 27 Feb 10
They are only £30, fit in your wallet.
There is no problem using them.
burner
says...
8:22pm Sat 27 Feb 10
blackburn south
says...
8:23pm Sat 27 Feb 10
promusso wrote:Why?
We already have our ID cards. we went to Manchester to register for ours. It takes about 20mins.We have used them to travel widely,in Europe. They are only £30, fit in your wallet. There is no problem using them.
burner
says...
8:25pm Sat 27 Feb 10
Michael@ClitheroeSince58
says...
9:38pm Sat 27 Feb 10
Topsail
says...
10:30am Sun 28 Feb 10
promusso wrote:Well, you are in the system now and you can never get out.
We already have our ID cards. we went to Manchester to register for ours. It takes about 20mins.We have used them to travel widely,in Europe.
They are only £30, fit in your wallet.
There is no problem using them.
Just make sure that you keep all your personal details up to date. You must tell them if you move home, for example. Failure to do so will result in horrendous fines.
JamesEB
says...
12:00pm Sun 28 Feb 10
There is a NO2ID meeting taking place on Monday 15th March at 7.30pm in a meeting room in the Central Libary. Come along and get invovled in opposing this scheme.
blackburn south
says...
6:33pm Sun 28 Feb 10
R Duluth
says...
9:12pm Mon 1 Mar 10
ExForces says...
11:13am Fri 26 Feb 10