Councillors say NO2ID
This week’s Big Issue in Scotland carries this article (not online):
Glasgow councillors armed with bolt cutters joined a protest against ID cards at the weekend.
The demonstration, organised by No2ID, was held outside Glasgow’s new interview centre on West Regent Street, where first-time passport applicants will now have to attend compulsory meetings to gather data.
The four councillors posed in front of the cameras before freeing two girls in chains. They said it symbolised their determination to liberate their constituents from the enslavement of ID cards.
SNP councillor Allison Hunter said: “I am vehemently opposed to identity cards. They are just a complete waste of money when we need so much for frontline services.”
“Introducing ID cards is crazy in our liberal society,” added Conservative councillor David Meikle. “I think that is a dangerous road to go down, to a sort of big brother state.”
Two other councillors, Liberal Democrat Kenneth Elder and the Green Party’s Kieran Wild also joined the event.
No2ID’s Scotland coordinator Geraint Bevan said the presence of the councillors demonstrated how opposition to ID cards cut across party lines. He added: “People from all political affiliations – and none – are united in opposition to this attack on our civil liberties.”
The Big Issue is also running an on-line poll: The Big Ask: Would ID cards for all help prevent terrorism?
