Identity Documents Bill reaches Committee stage
by Helen G // 30 June 2010, 10:01
Having completed its First and Second Readings, the Identity Documents Bill 2010-11 has now reached the Committee stage of its progress through the House of Commons, according to the Parliament UK website.
The committee's consideration of the Bill is scheduled to be completed on or before 8 July 2010.
Summary of the BillThe main purpose of this Bill is to abolish identity cards and the National Identity Register; it repeals the Identity Cards Act 2006. There are no provisions for refunding existing cardholders.
A small number of provisions in the 2006 Act - unrelated to ID cards - reappear in the Bill. These cover offences relating to the possession and manufacture of false identity documents such as passports and driving licences. The Bill also re-enacts data-sharing provisions in the 2006 Act designed to verify information provided in connection with passport applications. Identification cards for non-EEA nationals are not affected by the provisions.
The 'small print' in the second paragraph of that quote seems to re-confirm that, even though ID cards may be abolished for UK citizens, the national identity database remains in place and, presumably, active.
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Sheila // Posted 30 June 2010 at 14:03
It will be interesting to find out how much it is going to cost (if at all) to make changes to your own personal details on this database. Passport charges are another hidden cost of relationship forming and breakdown which fall principally to women. Given social pressures to change name on marriage and the wish to revert to previous names on divorce, the passport office makes a hell of a lot of money out of women which it doesn't make out of men. At least the DVLA don't charge for name changes on drivers licences - though I hate to point that out publicly in case charging starts.
Sheila // Posted 30 June 2010 at 14:12
Sorry, and another thing about identity and being a woman: on getting married and divorced I am asked to provide certificates to prove it - no man is ever asked this. If I choose the change my name, I can change my name. It's totally offensive to be asked by insurance companies and even mobile phone service providers to send a copy of your decree absolute.
Helen G // Posted 30 June 2010 at 14:27
Sheila: I completely agree about having to provide documentary evidence, particularly the decree absolute. I was required to provide mine last year as part of my application for a Gender Recognition Certificate - I was divorced in 1985 and had had no contact with my ex since then. Oh what fun that exercise was...