Rhodri must follow Jack on cards

1.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 7th Jun 2005

Rhodri Morgan must join Jack McConnell, Labour First Minister of Scotland, in giving the thumbs down to needing ID cards to access devolved public services.

The call comes from Mike German as the Welsh Liberal Democrats today present a debate in the National Assembly, opposing ID cards being used as a requirement for access to public services.

Mr. German, Assembly leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said:

"The position of the Scottish Executive has been clear - they oppose the use of compulsory identity cards to access devolved services. Rhodri Morgan needs to be as clear as his counterparts in Scotland. This debate gives Wales the chance to put down a marker and say we don't need this expensive scheme here either.

"Jack McConnell states that through maintaining consistency and clarity in discussions with the UK government, an identity card will not be required to access public services in Scotland. Surely it's not too much to expect the same clarity from Rhodri Morgan?

"On this issue, as with many others, we've seen the 'Morgan muddle'. He's waffled about it being a long-term issue instead of doing what the Scots have done and lobbied for and gained assurances from the UK government. Westminster has accepted the position of the Scottish Executive and the Labour Assembly Government should have stated the same case with the same force. If a card will not be required to access public services in Scotland, then it should not be required in Wales either.

"We believe in a health service - and other services - where people are treated according to their needs, not because they carry a piece of plastic. I hope all the other parties will join us in making sure that continues to be the case in Wales."