[no2id-supporters] NO2ID NEWSLETTER - Supporter's Newsletter No.9
no2id-supporters-admin at no2id.net
no2id-supporters-admin at no2id.net
Fri Nov 19 08:31:40 GMT 2004
NO2ID NEWSLETTER - Supporter's Newsletter No.9 - 18th November 2004
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+++ E-Petition Final Push - CLOSES MIDNIGHT 19th November
--------------------------
Our E-Petition closes tomorrow night, we're well into four figures, but
we'd love to break into five. Help us give the petition one last push.
+
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.
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+++ Stop ID-cards and the database state
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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.)
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++ Calm Before The Storm
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+ Blunkett Tries To Play Down Fear Tactics
In the last week Mr Blunkett has been trying to soften his draconian Home
Office agenda in the run up to next week's Queen's speech. Pundits
speculated that after Bush won the US election on a tough cowboy ticket,
Blunkett and Blair might jump on that particular bandwagon with
Blunkett riding up front, shiny new ID legislation pinned to his chest like
a sheriff's badge. But the strategy has been very obviously in play for a
couple of years.
The recent BBC documentary series 'The Power of Nightmares' that suggested
governments use phantom enemies to the fearfulness that they can "save" us
from. This allows them to pose as 'defenders of freedom' at the same time
as bringing forward liberty _removing_ schemes. Many critics have picked
up this plausible idea.
On the 13th of November the Home Secretary made a speech to the annual
Progress conference. He reassured voters that: "Labour will campaign on
hope, not fear, at the forthcoming General Election".
But there is a price. The spirit of hope "will only be possible because
tough new measures like ID cards will give people a sense of security".
+ Justification Flip-Flopping
So the latest justification for costly ID cards is to give people "a sense
of security". Not actual security, note. Couldn't a 'sense of security' be
created by feeding fewer scare stories to the mainstream media?
No, wait... before his speech Blunkett had said on the Today programme "you
need a biometric ID Card, with your unique biometric on the database, in
order to be able to establish your true identity."
+ "What is Truth?"
Spy Blog pointed out:-
"No, you have to 'establish your true identity' through your biographical
footprint of other documents in the first place to register and enrol onto
such a system. Your 'true identity' can be
stolen at this point with traditionally forged documents, if the criminal
registers before you do, which is quite likely given the queue of 60
million people which the Government seems to be intent on registering."
Both views rather leave aside the question of whether there is such a thing
as a "true identity" at all. But in ancient magical tradition going back
to at least to Pharaonic Egypt, to know something's "true name" is to have
absolute power over it. Does the Home Secretary believe in magic?
+ And Back To Scaremongering Again
On Sunday the new message of hope seemed to be wearing thin. On BBC1's
Politics Show, Mr Blunkett warned "al-Qaeda .. will be demonstrated ...
over months to come, to be actually [actually? Ed] on our door step, and
threatening our lives". This on the basis of prosecutions of suspects whom
he conceded "may be found not guilty." But you can't let a little thing
like presumption of innocence (or logic) get in the way of a good scare story.
The highlight came when in a rare moment of lucidity Blunkett
revealed "... I've always said that there isn't one single reason why we
need biometric ID cards with a proper data base". At last, a point of
agreement: We can't think of a single reason either.
As the Daily Mail's columnist Keith Waterhouse pointed out on Monday,
"Security has become a lucrative branch of the health 'n' safety racket"
and the Queen's speech will be "studded with new security
measures, including a retread of our old friend the national identity card".
Once again we must point out to the Home Office and the media that ID cards
will not prevent terrorism and the level of threat (exaggerated or not)
cannot change that fact. In April, Privacy International reported on the 25
countries that have experienced the most terrorism since 1986. Eighty
percent had ID cards, one third of which incorporated biometrics. There is
no evidence that the presence of an ID card system reduces the likelihood
of an attack.
Keith Waterhouse reminded his readers:-
"Roosevelt said that we have nothing to fear but fear itself. We must not
be gripped by the fear of fear. If we do we we're on the losing side."
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++ What Just Happened?
----------------------
+ Blunkett's own son against ID Control
According to the Scotsman, the Home Secretary can't even turn to his family
for support when it comes to ID cards. The report says that Blunkett
revealed "that his son signed up to an anti-ID card internet petition".
This isn't the first time that Blunkett's son has come out as a privacy
advocate against his father, in 2002 he criticised plans for the so called
"Snooper's Charter", which eventually did go through in 2003. (And has
frightening interactions with the NIR.)
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3769349
Our Petition closes midnight on the 19th November, please sign it and
encourage others to do the same.
+ NO2ID Doorstep Blunkett at IPPR Event
On Wednesday morning NO2ID protestors made their presence felt at the
IPPR's 'A New Identity' event, attended by David Blunkett. NO2ID burned
giant mock ID cards featuring Blunkett and Blair outside the meeting,
giving the media great pictures for a story that is normally illustrated
with library footage of smartcards.
As Blunkett arrived he was greeted by shouts of "resign", and as he entered
the building he appeared to make a gesture towards the protestors. Sky
News later said it was "an exaggerated wave". We'll take their word for it.
As the protest came to an end the NO2ID group was approached by police
officers who jokingly asked if they had any ID, then took some badges and
offered words of encouragement for the campaign. One officer said that they
have enough problems with forged documents at present, and would be
unlikely to trust that an ID card proved who someone was, concluding that
the scheme was a waste of time and money.
The photo-op/protest succeeded in widespread newspaper, television and
internet coverage for the first time. Well done to all who attended.
+ Blunkett's 'A New Identity' Speech
Blunkett, in his speech to the IPPR, scored an own goal by attacking
loyalty cards, implausibly claiming that they were a bigger invasion of
privacy than ID cards. He also said identity cards could help
reduce racism. We guess the victims of racism will be able to wave their
ID cards and be warmly accepted by would-be racists. Does Mr Blunkett
think racists hate only those who "have no right to use our services". (And
if so, isn't talking in those terms fanning racism?)
NO2ID's Phil Booth was present. He reports Blunkett faced a mostly hostile
crowd inside, too. The only people who seemed to be in favour were the
technology suppliers. Criticism focused on privacy, unintended consequences
and the absence of a Regulatory Impact Assessment, which ought to have been
published alongside the draft bill. The Home Office claimed one wasn't
needed because "it imposed no regulations on any private sector or
voluntary organisations"--a view not shared by the CBI. We shall see.
The Information Commissioner disagreed with Blunkett's critique of loyalty
cards because: "The crucial point there is the individual has a choice. If
the [stores] do not do with the data what they say they do they will be in
trouble with my office".
William Dutton, of the Oxford Internet Institute, raised the issue of
Minority Rights vs Majority Will. Democratic societies must protect the
rights of minorities, and "free political expression is anchored in the
ability to be anonymous". Such a right would be undermined with the
introduction of ID cards.
+ Children's Bill Passes
On the 10th November the Children's Bill passed the House of Lords, by a
majority of just twelve. Action on Rights for Children (ARCh) said: "We can
now look forward to every child being on Big Brother's database, accessible
to all and sundry who are allegedly 'professionals' [...] and for what?
'Every Child Matters' was the mantra, for what purpose? No longer private
citizens, children will be watched and thereby controlled by the state.
Parents don't count (unless they're 'good') and children don't
either...certainly not as the individual private human beings they should be."
+ What Govt Really Wants Is The NIR
In a typically incisive article this week, The Register pointed out what
the Government really wants is the National Identity
Register, the centralising index database that will run alongside their
proposed ID card scheme, a real-time Domesday Book.
An identity system does not require such a database to run; the database
does not require ID cards. The idea of a central national database has been
described as an outdated vision of the 1950s, when giant computers were to
"plan" the world. It is clear that the Government has a data-sharing agenda
that it has not been honest about.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/11/16/idcard_cost_fiddles/
+ Function Creep: PA Consulting and ANPR
Evidence of yet more function creep comes in report this week
from PA Consulting on Automatic Number Plate Recognition Systems currently
on trial with the police. (PA Consulting are those nice people who provide
so many Home Office ID staff "on secondment".) The report discusses the
development of a national ANPR strategy. It recommends "consideration of
how to link to future programmes such as lorry road user charging, road
user charging, electronic vehicle identification, the national ID card
programme and biometrics would link in"(p140). Yet another application of
ID not mentioned in the draft bill.
Report at http://tinyurl.co.uk/eqn2 [PDF]
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++ What's Next?
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+ Request For Volunteers
We need volunteers to work in all areas of the campaign. 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 simply 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 volunteer at no2id.net
+ 20th November Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants
As part of their AGM, there will be a seminar on "Migrant Workers' Rights,
Immigration Surveillance: the Challenges for 2005" with an emphasis on the
use of identity documents.
Details from http://www.jcwi.org.uk
+ 20th, 27th November - Brixton Stall
Urgent request for volunteers to man a stall / hand out leaflets on either
or both of Saturday 20th & 27th November to promote NO2ID's Brixton meeting
on 30th November.
To volunteer, contact Guy Taylor (guy at no2id.net).
+ 23rd November - Queen's Speech
After the success of this week's NO2ID photo opportunity we will be making
our presence felt again, this time at Parliament on the day of the Queen's
Speech, which is expected to contain the announcement of an ID card Bill.
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
+ 30th November - NO2ID Public Meeting, Brixton
Tuesday 30 November 2004, 7pm at The Brix, St Matthews Church, Brixton,
London SW2
Speakers:
* Karen Chouhan, 1990 Trust
* Weyman Bennet, Unite Against Fascism
* Nadine Finch, Statewatch
* Simon Davies, No2ID
+ Coming soon - Fundraising Event in London
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.
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++ "ID" In The News
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Media Coverage of NO2ID protest
http://news.lycos.co.uk/uk/041117151958.y5qw5axr.xml.html
http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30100-13249596,00.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4018939.stm
http://tinyurl.co.uk/mhjj
Blunkett: Loyalty cards bigger threat than ID cards
http://management.silicon.com/government/0,39024677,39125977,00.htm
Transcript and analysis of David Blunkett on Today Programme 13th Nov
http://www.spy.org.uk/spyblog/archives/2004/11/bbc_radio_4_tod.html
Transcript of David Blunkett on Politics Show 14th Nov
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/politics_show/3998559.stm
Fear and false premise
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/opinion.cfm?id=1316692004
Transcript of David Blunkett's appearance before Home Affairs Committee 2nd Nov
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmselect/cmhaff/uc122-i/uc12202.htm
Blunkett should rethink ID card "folly"
http://comment.silicon.com/0,39024711,39125982,00.htm
ID cards need stronger policing
http://www.computerweekly.com/articles/article.asp?liArticleID=135160
Blunkett claims ID cards will protect civil liberties
http://www.out-law.com/php/page.php?page_id=blunkettclaimsidc1100700620&area=news
Register backs Blunkett drive for trust in government
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/11/17/id_register_entries/
ID cards won't comply with data protection laws
http://management.silicon.com/government/0,39024677,39125978,00.htm
(Please send me any items of interest you encounter - Editor)
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++ 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. We are also
looking for office space in Central London/Westminster. Volunteer at:
volunteer at no2id.net
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. If you have experience of local campaigns then
by all means just start -- we will offer what help we can. 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, union or other
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&prodCategory
ID=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
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.
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++ 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)
Administration
General Secretary - Guy Herbert (guyh at no2id.net)
National Secretary & Affiliations - 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 - 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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