The government's ID scheme will affect all of us both individually and collectively, threatening basic civil liberties and making it easier for the state to erode these further than it is already doing. We do not reject ID cards because ‘they won’t be effective in stopping terrorists/benefit fraud/identity theft/illegal immigrants’. This misinformed response to the legislation helps the state create a climate of fear about threats that are not real, fear that allows it to divide us and to become increasingly authoritarian under the pretext of ‘protecting’ us. We need to recognise repression for what it is and try to build a climate of social confidence in which individuals, groups and communities can support each other in refusing to register. Let’s make this scheme New Labour’s Poll Tax rebellion!

For up to date information, including our bulletin, meeting times and places, and a searchable database to find out which companies are involved in the scheme in your area, please visit our website:
 http://www.nottingham-defy-id.org.uk

Most people reading this will be busy working in campaign and community issues already, so we are suggesting that people address the issue as part of their work in those groups so that it doesn’t have to mean yet another meeting to go to! Of course we’d love people to get involved in our group or even set up groups of their own too, but at least please raise the issue with friends, colleagues and comrades. And we would love to talk to the campaign, community and workplace groups you are involved in, so please squeeze us on to your agenda for your next meeting and contact us via our web site:

 http://www.nottingham-defy-id.org.uk

Let’s beat this thing together!