30 April 2008 – Iain Smith MSP (Lib Dem)
NO2ID should emphasise the dangers of the database rather than the ID card itself.
Mr Smith had kindly agreed to speak at short notice as the original speaker, Margaret Smith who also was a Lib Dem MSP, was indisposed.
He said that the Liberals had a strong historical association with supporting civil liberties going back to the time of slavery in the 18th and 19th centuries.
It was that aspect of policy which had attracted him to join the party.
Database danger
He emphasized that it was the database that was the problem – NO2ID should put emphasis on the dangers of the database rather than the ID card itself.
Databases were everywhere nowadays. Showing his Nectar card, he said he had bought a shredder with his Nectar bonus points, which was somewhat ironic.
The dangers of databases increased with their size: the ID card database would be the most dangerous ever created.
Individual's rights
There was a contrast between the liberties of the many compared with the liberties of the individual. Labour seemed to be unable to comprehend individuals' rights.
Opponents of ID cards had been characterized as being weak on anti-terrorism, which was nonsense.
Detention without charge for 28 days was already longer than in any democratic country and no case had been made for extending the limit. Other means could be used, for example phone-tap evidence and removing the ban on post-charge questioning.
There was no evidence whatever that ID cards would reduce terrorism, despite what the Home Office website said, and ID cards would promote ID theft rather than prevent it.
The way to keep data secure was not to keep it in the first place. Health and finance data were at risk, giving increased scope for fraud and blackmail.
Tools for a police state
How would future governments use these data? Why did Labour need them? We must guard against any government acquiring the tools for a police state.
Already such tools tended to be used against ethnic minorities. ID cards also threatened freedom of travel.
Combating terrorism was an ever-present justification for restrictions, even when there was no evidence.
Costs
ID cards would cost up to £18 billion over ten years. The Lib Dem policy would be to spend the money elsewhere.
ID cards were likely to cost up to £300 per person. Lib Dems would continue to fight against their introduction.
There would be a good chance of abandonment if Labour did not have an overall majority after the next Westminster election.
Birthday
Mr Smith's birthday was the following day and he was presented with DVDs of the feature film "Taking Liberties" and the group's own ID-Day Demonstration.