Mancunians have been urged by the Tories to ignore the government's launch of its ID cards pilot at the end of this month.

Speaking shortly after the launch was announced, Shadow Immigration Minister Damian Green said no-one in Manchester should "bother wasting £30 on an identity card" because an incoming Conservative Government "would scrap this expensive, intrusive and unworkable scheme".

He reiterated Tory policy shortly after Immigration Minister Phil Woolas enrolled for his own card. He said: "The Government shouldn't hoodwink Mancunians regarding the benefits of this card."