REDDITCH MP Jacqui Smith welcomed fellow minister John Spellar to town recently as they promoted the controversial idea of national ID cards which the Government is determined to introduce.
Ms Smith said: "ID cards will help the police fight crime. They will fight fraud and they will tackle crime that involves individuals who build up multiple identities - and it will help in the fight against terrorism.
"In addition, when we provide benefits or people receive free treatment on the NHS, it is important that we know who the recipients of these services are. ID Cards will help us ensure only those who are entitled to these services get them."
But the idea of ID cards has provoked widespread criticism, particularly from civil liberties groups who say they will have little effect on crime and terrorism and change the historical relationship between people and state.
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