Government ID card bill suffers Lords setback

Proposed amendments return legislation to the Commons

The government’s national biometric identity card scheme faced a major setback with three separate defeats in the House of Lords this week.

Peers voted to demand a detailed report on costs, a secure and reliable method of recording and storing citizen data, and legal assurances that cards will not restrict the use of public services.

The legislation now cannot become law unless the Lords’ demands are met or MPs vote to overturn them. When the bill was passed by the Commons in June the government majority was only 31.

Costs have been a major factor throughout the debate. The Home Office estimates costs of about £6bn, but researchers at the London School of Economics linked to the No2ID campaign that opposes the scheme have suggested a price tag as high
as £19bn.

Tory peers rejected government claims that releasing detailed financial information would jeopardise the purchasing plans.

The procurement for the ID cards scheme is due to start as soon as the legislation is passed.