20/11/2006

ID cards will endanger domestic abuse victims, Mike German warns

Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly leader Mike German has warned ID cards could threaten women vulnerable to domestic abuse.

He said today: "I have listened to the concerns of domestic abuse groups who are worried about the massive amount of information which will be accessible on anyone with an ID card. It will be far easier to track down those women who are in hiding because they have experienced abuse and feel threatened.

"Put bluntly, the government's plans will help abusers more than domestic abuse victims.

"As well as the usual details on where you live, the file will document medical details, salary details and a great deal more. Not only will it be available to numerous Government departments, but also to the employees of the private company who will be paid to manage the information.

"Whilst there are recommendations on information disclosure where companies contracted to the Government are concerned, there is no requirement for CRB checks on employees. All of this means women threatened by domestic abuse are more vulnerable to being found.

"ID cards make abuse victims more vulnerable. It's already clear that that they will not be effective in combating terrorism or identity fraud. The estimated cost of the scheme is constantly rising. It will cost at least £5.5billion.

"It is clear that there are more arguments against ID cards than in favour of them. We do not want them in Wales, and I will do everything in my power to ensure our freedoms are defended, that access to our public services is not dependent on producing identification and that anonymity is protected."