

Scrap plans for British compulsory ID cards
The Issue
The UK government is planning to introduce compulsory ID cards for all British citizens, known as the Brit-Card. This move towards mandatory ID cards poses a significant threat to civil liberties, privacy, and personal freedoms in our society. In particular: -
- stop and search without due cause while peolple going about lawful business
- stop and searches that are racially profiled
For decades, the United Kingdom has prided itself on valuing personal privacy and has resisted moves towards a surveillance-heavy state. These ID cards symbolise a departure from these values, introducing invasive monitoring and tracking of ordinary citizens.
Statistics from the Identity Card Scheme reveal that implementing such a system would cost taxpayers billions of pounds, placing additional financial burden on the public for a programme that lacks clear justification.
- setup costs to taxpayer
-admin charges to public to get ID
- ongoing system administration charges
Previous attempts at a national ID card system have shown that they are not only costly but can also be rife with technical issues and mismanagement.
Moreover, there's scant evidence to suggest that compulsory ID cards reduce crime or enhance national security. They offer a false sense of security, while creating opportunities for identity theft and data breaches.
Many human rights organisations, privacy advocates, and members of the public have expressed opposition to the introduction of these cards. Countries such as Denmark and Australia have rejected similar proposals after weighing the potential harms against the benefits.
We advocate for alternative solutions that are less intrusive and more effective, such as enhancing police funding to improve crime-solving rates and investing in community programmes that foster public safety.
Let's protect our right to privacy and prevent the erosion of civil liberties. Join us in urging the government to scrap the plans for these compulsory ID cards and explore more effective and less invasive measures. Sign this petition today to make your voice heard and safeguard our freedoms for future generations.
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The Issue
The UK government is planning to introduce compulsory ID cards for all British citizens, known as the Brit-Card. This move towards mandatory ID cards poses a significant threat to civil liberties, privacy, and personal freedoms in our society. In particular: -
- stop and search without due cause while peolple going about lawful business
- stop and searches that are racially profiled
For decades, the United Kingdom has prided itself on valuing personal privacy and has resisted moves towards a surveillance-heavy state. These ID cards symbolise a departure from these values, introducing invasive monitoring and tracking of ordinary citizens.
Statistics from the Identity Card Scheme reveal that implementing such a system would cost taxpayers billions of pounds, placing additional financial burden on the public for a programme that lacks clear justification.
- setup costs to taxpayer
-admin charges to public to get ID
- ongoing system administration charges
Previous attempts at a national ID card system have shown that they are not only costly but can also be rife with technical issues and mismanagement.
Moreover, there's scant evidence to suggest that compulsory ID cards reduce crime or enhance national security. They offer a false sense of security, while creating opportunities for identity theft and data breaches.
Many human rights organisations, privacy advocates, and members of the public have expressed opposition to the introduction of these cards. Countries such as Denmark and Australia have rejected similar proposals after weighing the potential harms against the benefits.
We advocate for alternative solutions that are less intrusive and more effective, such as enhancing police funding to improve crime-solving rates and investing in community programmes that foster public safety.
Let's protect our right to privacy and prevent the erosion of civil liberties. Join us in urging the government to scrap the plans for these compulsory ID cards and explore more effective and less invasive measures. Sign this petition today to make your voice heard and safeguard our freedoms for future generations.
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Petition created on 25 September 2025