I FEEL compelled to correct the mis-information put forward by David Jones in the photo article "ID cards".

The issue is not about a harmless piece of plastic in your wallet but a massive and intrusive database that fundamentally changes the nature of UK Citizenship.

It will not help in the fight against terrorism. September 11 terrorists as well as those in Germany and Spain all had valid ID. Two thirds of terrorists use their own ID, the other third use disguise and other techniques including fake ID.

The cards will not help tackle benefit fraud. Benefit fraud isn't about pretending to be someone else but lying about your circumstances - income, job status etc.

The cards will not stop immigration. They have not in Europe and they will not here. Of course, the police could stop everyone from an ethnic minority in the hope of finding the odd illegal immigrant but this is likely to lead to further racial tensions.

ID cards won't stop terrorists, won't control immigration, won't catch criminals and won't prevent fraud. It will be vastly expensive. Independent assessments put the cost to the tax payer at around £6 billion, passports and driving licences will cost around £80 each.

Europe has had ID Cards since the Nazi occupation introduced them as a means of population control.

By having them Europe has escaped none of the social problems that have beset the UK since then. I urge David Jones to follow the lead of a third of Parliament and say no to ID cards.

Martin Evans

The Oakalls

Bromsgrove