Identity Cards Bill

The hon. Gentleman obviously was not present for the Second Reading debate, when all that was explained. While we all value our civil liberties, protection from criminals should be seen as a right—a compulsory right that our Government should be expected to protect. When identities are stolen, our privacy is stolen. When identities are stolen, our financial safety and security are under threat. ID cards—and compulsory ID cards—will protect our ability to live as free individuals in society, without fear of terrorism or financial crime. That is why I am glad that the Government have accepted the Lords amendments to remove the clauses on compulsion by means of the super-affirmative resolution procedure. However, I support the Government amendment to revise the definition of compulsion so that it refers to future primary legislation.