Will ID cards really be voluntary?

An identity card could become a prerequisite to being hired by many of Britain's biggest employers, in a move that would undermine the supposedly voluntary nature of the controversial scheme.

Thirty of Britain's largest companies are in talks with the government about making the possession of ID cards - likely to cost at least £100 each - a central part of their employment practices.

The vast government-run database supporting the ID card system could also be tied into companies' payroll and benefits networks. Serving employees could also face identity checks against the information stored on the register.

The outcome of the discussions between the Home Office and companies including the Royal Bank of Scotland, HBOS and Tesco, could severely curtail the options for people who choose not to have a card when they are introduced on a voluntary basis in 2008.

I thought that ID cards were supposed to be voluntary? This just shows you the deceitful nature of the Blair government. Blair says one thing while secretly plotting to betray the british people. Its disgusting.

How long will it be before you can't even have a bank account without having an ID card? How long will it be before you can't even get a job without having an ID card?

This is yet more evidence that Labour is constantly plotting to betray us. Why do we allow this man in government?