Government ID card scheme "crazy"

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 6th May 2009

Attacking the Governments announcement that from this autumn people in Manchester will be able to apply for an ID Card, Chris Huhne described the scheme as "crazy".

Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary said, "It is crazy to fritter away billions of pounds on an unnecessary and intrusive ID card scheme during the biggest crisis in public finances for a generation."

Chris Huhne went on "It shows just how out of touch ministers are that they think charging people through the nose to invade their privacy is acceptable."

"The Government may be able to make guinea pigs of pilots by threatening their jobs but when the rest of us are forced to carry ID cards, ministers will discover that they have a laminated poll tax on their hands."

He concluded "Instead of recruiting chemists and post offices, Jacqui Smith should save us all some money and scrap this ridiculous scheme. When in a hole, stop digging."