Re-posted from archive of infinite ideas machine 2004:
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 FINDINGS
The 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…