Manchester Loombreaker - Issue 33
Loombreaker Collective | 12.12.2002 15:19
The government wants to introduce a national identity card. They are planning to
introduce it on the sly as an "entitlement card". The "entitlement" card will
contain a photo and some kind of biometric information (fingerprint or iris
scan) which will allow the verification of your identity.
Everyone above the age of 16 will be registered and issued with their own
"entitlement" card which allows them access to social security, health,
education and other services. You won't be required to use a card unless you
wish to work, use the banking or health system, vote, buy a house, or receive
benefits. The card is planned to be combined with the existing photocard driving
licenses and the forthcoming passport card. So you will also need your
"entitlement" card to drive a vehicle or travel abroad. They say that you won't
have to always carry the card. But once it's in place, you can bet this will
change. This is the first government legislation since the Poll Tax which will
affect everyone. It will require everyone to register, and which will initially
have the most impact on marginal groups - those who need benefits, who are ill,
who work on the sly, who are criminalised, who are seeking asylum, who are
activists etc.
Defy-ID is an adhoc network of groups and individuals prepared to actively
resist the introduction of a national identity card scheme in the United Kingdom
as part of resistance to a Big Brother state. Tactics of resistance are likely
to include non-cooperation, sabotage, and the creation of support networks for
cardless people.
For more information about ID cards and the resistance to them:
w: www.defy-id.org.uk e:
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Loombreaker Collective
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