Anybody who objects to their personal details going on the new "Big
Brother" ID cards database will be banned from having a passport.
James Hall, the official in charge of the supposedly-voluntary
scheme, said the Government would allow people to opt out - but in
return they must "forgo the ability" to have a travel document.
With one in every eight people saying they will refuse to
sign-up, up to five million adults could effectively be refused
permission to leave the country.
Campaigners reacted to Mr Hall's remarks with fury, saying they
were yet more evidence of the lurch towards "Big Brother" Britain.
Phil Booth, of the NO2ID group, said: "The idea that ID cards scheme is voluntary, and people can opt-out, is a joke.
"There are all sorts of reasons why people need to travel, not just for holidays. There is work, visiting relatives.
"What are these people supposed to do? It stretches the
definition of voluntary beyond breaking point. They will go to any
length to get personal information for this huge database. Who knows
what will happen to it then?"
12:56:16 PM 
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