In a significant turn of events for the Government’s plans to introduce compulsory ID cards on a local basis, Brighton & Hove Council are to consider a proposal opposing the Government's National Identity Register scheme.

The motion, submitted by Green Party councillor Jason Kitcat, asks the council to condemn the scheme, to refuse to use it unless required by law, and to write to the Home Secretary expressing their concerns.

The motion was introduced at the council meeting on Thursday 24th April, and will be voted on by a committee of councillors late in May.

Local campaign group Brighton & Hove NO2ID, a branch of the national NO2ID campaign, have thrown their support behind the motion. They are urging local residents who oppose ID cards and the national identity database for any reason – be it concern over civil liberties, the lack of evidence that the Government can guarantee the security of the data, or the still-spiralling costs - to contact their local councillors to let them know they support the call for our council to oppose the scheme.

B&H NO2ID have also started a local petition to be presented to the Council in support of the motion. The petition can be signed online here:  http://brighton.no2id.net/

Local councils are especially well-placed to oppose the ID register proposals. Although the scheme will be directed from a national level, the responsibilities of implementing it, and all associated costs, will be born by local authorities – who will also have to accommodate the knock-on costs for local services. Local councils, through non-cooperation with the Government's plan, are in a sturdy position to demonstrate popular objection to the ID register and to hamper it's introduction around the country.