Government scraps plans for central data sharing system after three years
The public appeal for evidence gives those affected a chance to make their views known to MPs
Plans will save £86m over four years and prevent £800m in ongoing costs
Only the contract with Thales, worth £18m, will be cut completely
But 215,000 non-EU ID cards will be retained
Lib-Cons in a hurry to axe scheme before more money is wasted
Coalition determined to "destroy" Labour's identity apparatus
Contract lawyers warn that attempts to scrap IT projects such as ID cards may face legal challenges
Along with parts of the NPfIT and other costly government IT projects