The results of an ICM poll commissioned by NO2ID utterly refute Tony Blair’s assertion last Monday that “surveys” show the public are “overwhelmingly behind” ID cards. ICM re-ran identical questions used in previous polls, the key question (using Home Office figures) having been asked as far back as December 2004 in order to establish solid, unbiased trend data.
Asked what they think of the Government’s proposed introduction of identity cards that, in combination with their passport, will cost around £93, 18% said they thought it was “a very good idea”, 32% “a good idea”, 26% “a bad idea” and 23% “a very bad idea”—a finely balanced split of 50% for and 49% against ID cards.
Phil Booth, NO2ID's National Coordinator said:
"There is plainly not 'overwhelming support' for ID cards. Mr Blair is just making it up.
"Formerly on a downward trend, public opinion seems to have stagnated over the summer, but we expect more people will oppose the ID system as its features become more obvious. The higher ‘anti’ response to our second question indicates that the opening of ID interrogation centres across the country over the coming year is likely to have some impact.”
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