Street of Shame
Private Eye runs a short piece in the “Street of Shame” column in the 31st August 2007 edition (No. 1192):
“Very few people doubt that the BBC bas ‘institutional bias’ when it comes to discussing the invasion of Iraq,” David Blunkett writes in his Sun column. “But what about other topics? How about an issue close to my heart – the introduction of ID cards and the development of a database to stop others stealing our identity… ?”
Beardie’s harrumphing has been provoked by a Radio 4 programme on ID cards, full of “misleading propaganda” about the drawbacks and problems. “If the Beeb are impartial, I look forward to a programme extolling the virtues of the scheme.”
As well he might, for it is even closer to Blunkett’s heart than he lets on. Not only was he its architect and champion at the Home Office; since March he has chaired the international advisory committee of Entrust, a Texas-based security company which has formally registered an interest in bidding to run the British ID card programme.
Alas, in a fit of silly-season doziness, Beardie quite forgets to mention this fact to his readers.
August 31st, 2007 at 16:51
As an exceptional news-gathering organisation, the BBC have reported over the years all the facts which imply one inescapable conclusion — the National Identity Scheme (NIS) as currently designed cannot work. It is impossible. That is a matter of logic and, as such, impartial.
It would be difficult for them to make a documentary about the NIS without ending the careers of several senior politicians and civil servants. The ensuing turmoil would be blamed on the BBC, who would be accused of inappropriate interference in government.
It is not in Mr Blunkett’s interests for the BBC to make such a programme and it is peculiar that he should call on them to do so.
It is also peculiar that Entrust Inc. should have appointed him. If I were a shareholder, I would have a few questions for the Board.