British citizens will never be forced to carry ID cards, Home Secretary Alan Johnson said today. In his first major policy announcement as Home Secretary, Mr Johnson ditched a trial scheme that would have required some airport staff and pilots to carry the controversial cards. The schemes, at Manchester Airport and London City Airport, will instead be voluntary. He also ruled out ever requiring the public to own a card. Previously, ministers said ID cards could become compulsory once 80% of the population was covered. The cards will still be compulsory for foreign workers, Mr Johnson said. Mr Johnson said: "Holding an identity card should be a personal choice for British citizens - just as it is now to obtain a passport. "Accordingly I want the introduction of identity cards for all British citizens to be voluntary and I have... [read full story]
