[no2id-supporters] NO2ID NEWSLETTER - Supporter's Newsletter No.8
no2id-supporters-admin at no2id.net
no2id-supporters-admin at no2id.net
Fri Nov 5 13:52:40 GMT 2004
NO2ID NEWSLETTER - Supporter's Newsletter No.8 - 4th November 2004
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+++ It’s War!
The government continues to hustle, bustle, and avoid debate on
ID-control. We intend to force them to face the British people. Help us.
+
The e-Petition is online at
http://www.no2id-petition.net/
If you haven’t yet signed, please do. If you haven’t told others, please do.
Mr Blair says he wants e-government. Let’s show what email can do.
+
This email is fatter than usual. (Our apologies to those with slow
connections.) Attached is a pdf membership and donation form. If we are
to fight we need funds. NO2ID is run by volunteers giving their time free,
but we still need to pay for printing publicity materials, press and
parliamentary briefings, and all those other things on which the Home
Office will be spending your taxes.
We can spend a thousand pounds more effectively than they can a
million. Even a small monthly subscription will make a huge difference in
the longer run. Together we can and we will ...
+++ Stop ID-cards and the database state
This is the latest email newsletter to keep you informed about the campaign
against the Home Office's plans to fingerprint and track the entire
population of Britain for its National Identity Register. As soon as
practicable the NO2ID Newsletter will also be produced in printed form to
let us reach people without email. Meanwhile, if you want to forward this
email to friends or print and distribute hard copies, then we have no
objections.
You've been sent this (if you are a first hand recipient) because we
believe you registered as a supporter of the campaign. If not, or if you
just don't want the newsletter, let us know and please accept our
apologies. We don't want to spam anyone.
(Equally, if you were a supporter in the past, but have now decided that
you do want yourself and your family to be tagged like cattle at huge and
unnecessary expense, please do let us know.)
--------------------------------
++ Blunkett sets out his Next Steps. Simon Davies sets out ours.
--------------------
+ Home Office spins two reports
Last week the Home Office released its response to the Home Affairs
Committee report on ID cards, and a summary of the recent "Legislation on
Identity Cards" consultation findings.
The Government tried to divert press attention from its own figures showing
growing public unease over the scheme by concentrating on the gimmick of
issuing a slightly different piece of plastic. Weirdly this succeeded for
the most part, with papers carrying headlines like “Blunkett
U-turn”. Strangely the news that passport prices are to double in
connection wasn’t released at the same time as the cosmetic changes to the
scheme, but could wait a week for David Blunkett to announce it on the day
of the US election.
+ A consultation summarised
The summary of the consultation findings tries to bury a change in public
opinion by opening with a fairy tale of all the previous consultations--in
which it is claimed ID cards received overwhelming support. It takes 12
pages to reach the fact that 48% of respondents to the latest consultation
were against, only 31% in favour. We are 81 pages in, before the fact
emerges that focus group members who had initially been in favour of ID
cards were "generally a little less enthusiastic” following discussion of
the details.
What the consultation really shows is that those most informed about ID
cards are against them. Those most likely to be at the front of the queue
for their laminated piece of plastic are people who have no idea what a
biometric or a database is.
NO2ID led the "Campaigning Bodies" section of the findings, with many of
our objections laid out.
+ Home Office response to Parliament
The response to the Home Affairs Committee simply thanks the Committee when
they agree with Blunkett, and restates his position (usually on the basis
of empty assertion) when they don't. Changes to the proposed scheme are
floated, such as dropping the idea of a combined Driving Licence/ID Card
and combined Passport/ID Card. But the changes are more explicable on
grounds of administrative convenience than as a real response to the views
of the Committee.
+ Simon Davies in the Mail on Sunday
A lot of the mainstream media hasn’t yet got it. Most papers missed the
story of falling support, and ran with headlines referring to the
superficial tinkering. However, the Mail on Sunday ran a thorough and
rousing piece from Simon Davies (NO2ID & Privacy International) on
Halloween Sunday, that should put the frighteners on the government and may
even awaken a few slumbering Tories.
They also printed a strong editorial 'A warning on the cards', which
equated Blunkett's plans to the Orwellian dream of dictators:-
"The introduction of ID cards, and the fearsome database they would create,
represent a total and potentially dangerous change in the relationship
between the citizen and the state in return for vague and dubious benefits."
It is encouraging that the paper which is usually thought the toughest on
crime is taking up an anti-ID card stance. The MoS concluded:-
"The Home Secretary has so far failed to make the case for it. The case
against, meanwhile, has been eloquently made by George Orwell."
Looks like Mr Blair & Mr Blunkett have a fight on their hands.
+ Least convincing pro-ID argument of the week
This week’s argument is more ‘Big Lie’ of the week. Told with absolute
conviction and angry intensity to a NO2ID member by a Government
apparatchik, roused by the ‘Labour's Poll Tax’ t-shirt:-
"There's no comparison with the Poll Tax [...] it is only going to cost £35
*for life*."
Could anybody outside a government that ‘only knows what it believes,’
think that the scheme will cost only £35 a head? Total? For ever?
-------------------------------
++ What Just Happened?
---------------------
+ NO2ID E-Petition Launched
In line with 10 Downing Street's approach to e-petitions, we've created the
framework to let you tell Number 10 directly that you think that ID cards -
as proposed - are A Bad Thing.
Cabinet Office rules mean that e-petitions with more than 300 signatures
[and we passed that number within hours of going live - Ed] are listed on
the Number 10 site, along with a Government response. So this is a great
opportunity to force them to engage with opposing arguments.
The petition closes on 19th November, so please spare a moment to sign it
as soon as possible, and encourage others to do the same. Spread the word!
www.no2id-petition.net
Many thanks to all the members who helped set up the e-petition. Special
thanks to Paul Campbell and James Cronin.
+ Children Bill
This worrying piece of legislation, containing the powers for yet another
government database of personal information, reached its Report Stage in
the House of Lords on Tuesday 2nd November. Action on Rights For Children
(ARCh a supporter of NO2ID) spelt out some of its concerns on 29th October: -
"This is the most complete surveillance system that we have ever
encountered," says Terri Dowty of Action on Rights for Children. "It is the
Big Brother of all database systems, allowing a huge range of agencies to
share information about a third of the children in England and Wales,
potentially stripping them of any human right to a private life whatsoever."
Full ARCh press release at
http://www.arch-ed.org/pr291004.htm
+ Government Reports
The government released its two latest Command Papers on identity on 27th
October:
Summary of findings from consultation
http://www.official-documents.co.uk/document/cm63/6358/6358.htm
Response to HAC report
http://www.official-documents.co.uk/document/cm63/6359/6359.htm
+ EU Hague Programme
Plans appear to be afoot for EU-wide minimum standards for national
identity cards, as part of the Hague Programme which has a stated aim of
strengthening “freedom, security and justice” in the European Union. Many
believe proposals for an EU wide ID card, population register and data
sharing aren't far off. See
http://www.statewatch.org/news/2004/oct/08hague-programme.htm
+ EU fingerprint Passports
The EU is also to back demands by Italy, Germany, France, Greece, Spain,
Malta, Lithuania, Poland and Slovenia for mandatory fingerprinting - only
Sweden, Finland, Estonia and Latvia oppose the move.
Report and documentation:
http://www.statewatch.org/news/2004/oct/10eu-biometrics-fp.htm
However, MEPs have heard from experts who are sceptical about the potential
benefits of biometric technology, both from a technical and a societal
point of view. Julian Ashbourn of Avanti, the independent non-profit web
resource for
biometrics, warned that false assumptions are being made regarding the
possibility of accurately identifying people through biometrics.
History will show", Mr Ashbourn said, "that certain assumptions involving
biometrics will prove to be ill-founded".
See http://europa.eu.int/ida/en/document/3385/194
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++ What's Next?
------------
+ Now - Appeal for volunteers
We need volunteers to work in all areas of the campaign, as things are
moving fast, and we are growing fast. Press experience, print/production
background, DTP facilities, research and writing skills are all at a
premium, but we also need simple willing pairs of hands and people to
organise local groups: Everyone can assist in some way if they want
to. See below for more things you can do.
To volunteer, contact support at no2id.net
+ 11th November Brighton
Phil Booth of NO2ID will be speaking to Brighton radicals at the Cowley
Club, 12 London Road, Brighton BN1 4JA. Telephone 01273 696104 for details.
+ 23rd November - Queen's Speech
The Queen's Speech is on Tuesday 23rd November, and it is near certain that
the Government's Identity Bill will be announced. There is much speculation
as to whether they will try to force the Bill through the house in the
run-up to a general election as a spurious part of a “security agenda”.
There are events that require volunteers in Westminster on Tuesday 23rd
November. It will be a busy day, and we need lots of people. We will also
be organising a lobby of Parliament. Come and let your MP know what you
think in person.
+ 30th November Reform lunchtime seminar
Mark Littlewood will be talking at a seminar given by conservative
think-tank Reform on ID Cards. Details from
http://www.reform.co.uk/website/events.aspx
+ Coming soon Fundraising Dinner in London
Come and dine with likeminded people. Find out what an extraordinarily
diverse range of ideas NO2ID people have. And raise funds for the battle
ahead. Details will depend on how much interest there is. Contact our
events manager, Cassandra Rae (cassandra at no2id.net) if you would like to
know more.
+ Coming soon Brixton group launch
We got a great response to our stall in Brixton market after the NO2ID
launch, and there are some keen local members. If you are handy for South
London and want to get involved, contact Guy Taylor (guy at no2id.net). It is
not just London. There are the beginnings of branches in all parts of the
country, look out for more launches soon. Or do your own...
-----------------------------
++ "ID" In The News
---------------------
+ Do you want MI5 to know your medical details? They soon will - Simon Davies
http://tinyurl.co.uk/k1qd
A piece for the Mail on Sunday thoroughly examines the ID plans.
+ A warning on the cards - Mail on Sunday editorial
http://tinyurl.co.uk/p74c
+ 3 great pieces of analysis from The Register
The Great 'standalone' ID card Swindle
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/10/31/standalone_id_scam/
The ID card/passport/driving-license spin dissected.
UK.gov database 'rationalisation', the ID scheme way
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/10/29/id_scheme_eats_cip/
Government's obsession with databases and data sharing. How “abandoning” a
programme amounts to expanding it.
Blunkett sets out store on compulsory ID cards
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/10/27/blunkett_hac_response/
+ Safety in numbers? Not likely - The Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/print/0,3858,5048243-103680,00.html
An analysis of the 'technology is our saviour' culture focusing on chip &
pin, biometrics and ID cards.
+ ID Tax - Daily Mirror
http://tinyurl.co.uk/rkk9
The spiralling costs of changes to government proposals.
+ Compulsory ID cards to be issued within four years - Daily Telegraph
http://tinyurl.co.uk/4hlg
The Telegraph’s Philip Johnston is one of the most reliable sceptics
writing in the nationals.
+ Blunkett U-turn on combined ID card - The Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,3604,1337520,00.html
Not (yet) grasping the scope of the plans.
+ ID Card costs in total confusion - Mark Oaten MP
http://www.libdems.org.uk/index.cfm/page.homepage/section.home/article.7682
UK ID Card moving forward despite significant opposition - PI
http://tinyurl.co.uk/qpsk
Analysis from Privacy International.
+ Blunkett exploiting climate of fear, says Kennedy - The Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/guardianpolitics/story/0,3605,1335889,00.html
Liberal Democrat leader sets the strategy in political context.
(Please send me any items of interest you encounter - Editor)
-------------------------------------------
++ What You Can Do
-------------------
Like any campaign we need funds and people. Any help or expertise of any
kind you can spare will be most welcome. Most important is to get other
people involved and to understand the issues. ID-CARDS sound
innocent: what the government wants is ID-CONTROL. When people know
that they (and their children) may be fingerprinted like criminals and
will be made to register every change of address with the authorities,
their attitude changes. So:-
1. Tell your friends about the campaign and that you are supporting it.
Most people are scarcely aware of the government's ID database project,
and few understand the dangers. Feel free to redistribute this newsletter
to acquaintances. (But please do introduce it personally and don't spam.)
Your personal witness will help others understand that this is important.
2. Sign the e-Petition and get your friends and (adult) family to do so.
3. Let us know if you have time or special expertise that you can give to
the organisation or facilities you can lend us. The campaign is getting
bigger, but needs to grow some more. Fast. We urgently need any assistance
you can offer. We can use any amount of professional creative and marketing
expertise as we begin to lift public awareness of the issues.
4. Get together with others in your area to form a local group. A
national campaign needs a national network. Experienced campaigner Guy
Taylor (guy at no2id.net) is working with Phil Booth (phil at no2id.net) to build
a nationwide presence. Guy can tell you how to hold a public meeting, set
out your stall locally (literally as well as metaphorically), and how to
get other people involved. Details of forthcoming meetings, when we have
them, are posted on the website.
5. Raise the issue for discussion in any organisations you belong
to. Everyone is affected in some way. Encourage any club or group you are
in that opposes ID-control to become a supporter or affiliate itself.
6. Write to the local and national press, to express your concerns
whenever there is relevant news. Phone-in to appropriate radio and TV
programs. There is plenty of information on (and linked to) the website
to help you do this.
7. Write to your MP and MEP expressing your disquiet and ask for _their
personal opinion_. (Big-party MPs in particular sometimes avoid
controversial issues, or may pass on your letter to the Home Office
rather than answering for themselves.) Let us know what they say.
FaxYourMP.com is a free and confidential way to do it.
8. Buy a T-shirt, and wear it. This publicises the message--people will
ask you what it means--and raises funds. Details on the NO2ID website.
Or buy online at:
http://www.ntkmart.co.uk/ntkmart.cgi#No2ID
or
http://www.cashncarrion.co.uk/cnb/shop/cashncarrion?listPos=&op=catalogue-products-null&prodCategoryID=28
9. Join. Membership starts at GBP15 a year (higher contributions
encouraged, and a modest standing order means a lot to us). It entitles you
to a say in the running of NO2ID. There is a membership form on the website
at www.no2id.net/content/join.html This once it is also attached to this
email.
10. Give generously. A few weeks back we had no money. Now we have a little
money, but we will always need more. The Home Office is planning to spend
billions. But we will spend your money better. Funds can be transferred to
our HSBC Treasurer Account in the name of NO2ID, A/c no: 91339427, Sort
Code 40-28-15. You can send a cheque, payable to "NO2ID" to: NO2ID, Box
412, 78 Marylebone High Street, LONDON W1U 5AP. Special donation or
sponsorship enquiries should be made to Phil Booth (phil at no2id.net). Help
in kind is equally welcome.
11. Link to us. Help us gather support on through the internet by
displaying a button or banner (available on the website) on your own home
site or blog and linking to us.
-----------------------------
++ NO2ID Who's Who and Resources
-----------------------------
First port of call should be the website: <http://www.no2id.net/>
+ If you have specific assistance or information to offer, you can
contact the following NO2ID people:
National Coordinator - Mark Littlewood (mark at no2id.net <mailto:mark at no2id.net>)
Administration
General Secretary - Guy Herbert (guyh at no2id.net)
National Secretary - Adam McGreggor (adam at no2id.net)
Newsletter - Guy Herbert/Charles Farrier (newsletter at no2id.net)
Technical Manager - Owen Blacker (owen at no2id.net)
Development
Head of Development, Treasurer, Fundraiser - Phil Booth (phil at no2id.net)
Local Group Coordinator - Guy Taylor (guy at no2id.net)
Communications
Head of Communications - Andy Robson (andy at no2id.net)
Public Affairs and Parliamentary Liaison - Dave Walker (dave at no2id.net)
Events Manager Cassandra Rae (cassandra at no2id.net)
+ Please, please remember that everybody on this list will be getting a
huge amount of email, so you should only direct enquiries to the relevant
person. We are grateful for all offers of help, but can't guarantee to have
time to give detailed answers to individual general queries on the
ID-scheme. There is a lot of information on the website and there will
soon be much, much more.
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Publication details: (c) NO2ID 2004 - This document may be freely
redistributed in one-to-one communications or physical copies as long as it
is reproduced in its entirety including this notice. It may not be
mass-mailed without the prior permission of NO2ID.
NO2ID, Box No.412, 78 Marylebone High Street, LONDON W1U 5AP
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