Rhodri must make Wales' position clear on ID cards

12.00.00am GMT Mon 20th Dec 2004

As MPs discuss proposals to introduce compulsory ID cards in the UK, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly leader Mike German has called on Rhodri Morgan to say where he stands on the issue.

During First Minister's Questions throughout December, Mr German repeatedly put the First Minister on the spot over the controversial bill. Mr Morgan consistently fended off the question, saying ID cards were not an issue in Wales until 2007 - the earliest date cards could be introduced.

Mr German said: "ID cards are expensive, they're ineffective and they don't stop terrorism. The estimated cost of ID cards is escalating at a remarkable rate - estimates now reach £5Bn where months ago it was only £3Bn. We can only guess how much the final cost would be, and I have seen nothing to convince me that they would work.

"On a number of occasions this month, I've asked Rhodri Morgan what he thinks - but we still don't know. As with so many issues of concern to Wales, he is failing in his duty of leadership. Where other devolved governments have taken a strong and principled stance, he has buried his head in the sand.

"In Scotland - where Liberal Democrats are part of the government - it has already been agreed that ID cards will not be needed to access public services. The Labour Assembly Government should be giving a similar message in Wales. They should make it clear to Tony Blair that Wales doesn't need ID cards, and Wales doesn't want them."

The Labour Government want to introduce complusory ID cards

Welsh Liberal Democrats oppose the introduction of ID cards. Money set aside for introducing the scheme would instead be spent on 10,000 more police across the UK: reducing crime, and the fear of crime in our communities.