If you’re wondering what the UK Government thinks are good reasons for a National ID Card, then you should read this leaked PDF document – of which you may have heard elsewhere – as marked-up by the No2ID campaign:

Personally I think this is the most interesting bit: (Page 5)

Services

* The package of services offered is a critical component in encouraging take-up amongst the selected target groups.

* The NIS [National Identity Scheme] will become an independent “utility” to help deliver public services and will in time support the implementation of personalised services.

* The NIS will also support the delivery of identity services to the private sector.

* It is recognised that the market may be the most efficient mechanism to innovate in the development of services based on
the NIR. [National Identity Register]

Compare:

“No one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”…

Swipe your ID card daily, let the Government know what you are doing and where – it looks like the Devil missed a trick, and Man has gone one better.

How often true.

Linked from Samizdata.