Privacy International have published 'A Nation Divided' [45 KB PDF file] - a poll of UK electors to determine views and opinion trends relating to the proposed National Identity Card. The poll was conducted by YouGov, who questioned a representative sample of 2,003 electors across the UK between May 11 & May 13.
It makes for interesting reading:
KEY FINDINGSThe majority say they support ID cards, but not to the extent that the
government claims.61% of the population support compulsory identity cards. This
contrasts markedly with repeated claims by government that 80% are
in favour of its proposal.However, the majority of respondents oppose key elements of the Draft
Identity Cards Bill.Many people object to the legal requirement to notify government of
change of address (47% against; 41% in favour)Most people object to the legal requirement to inform government
whenever a card is lost, stolen or damaged (45% against; 44% in
favour)Opponents may be in the minority, but they are signalling a new Poll
Tax revolt.28% of those opposing compulsory cards said they would take to the
streets to participate in demonstrations. This represents approximately
4.9 million people.16% of those opposing compulsory cards said they would participate
in a "campaign of civil disobedience". This represents 2.8 million
people.6% of those opposing compulsory cards said they would prefer to go
to prison rather than register for a card. This represents over a million
people.Tory voters are much more likely to oppose the ID card proposals.
Nearly a quarter (24%) of Tory voters who object to compulsory ID
cards said they are prepared to take part in a “campaign of civil
disobedience”
Anyway, I'm off up to Mistaken Identity where it seems a certain Mr Blunkett will be notable by his absence! More later...
Posted by lankyphil at May 19, 2004 10:41 AM | TrackBack