A Nation Divided

Key Findings

• The majority say they support ID cards, but not to the extent that the government claims
  • 61% of the population support compulsory identity cards. This contrasts markedly with repeated claims by government that 80% are in favour of its proposal.

• However, the majority of respondents oppose key elements of the Draft Identity Cards Bill.
  • Many people object to the legal requirement to notify government of change of address (47% against; 41% in favour)
  • Most people object to the legal requirement to inform government whenever a card is lost, stolen or damaged (45% against; 44% in favour)

• Opponents may be in the minority, but they are signalling a new Poll Tax revolt
  • 28% of those opposing compulsory cards said they would take to the streets to participate in demonstrations. This represents approximately 4.9 million people.
  • 16% of those opposing compulsory cards said they would participate in a "campaign of civil disobedience". This represents 2.8 million people.
  • 6% of those opposing compulsory cards said they would prefer to go to prison rather than register for a card. This represents over a million people.

• Tory voters are much more likely to oppose the ID card proposals.
  • Nearly a quarter (24%) of Tory voters who object to compulsory ID cards said they are prepared to take part in a "campaign of civil disobedience"

Next: Opposition

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- About Privacy International

- Background

- Key Findings

- ID Cards still have majority support, but opposition is deep & entrenched

- People do not want their address connected to the ID card

- Financial penalties are deeply opposed

- People are prepared to go to prison over the ID card

- A conundrum for the Tories