*Contacting us:* Call or email the office – 020-7793-4005 or (office@no2id.net).
+ GOOD NEWS , BAD NEWS +
The bad news is that the ID scheme is proceeding with plan A as if nothing had happened, and government departments everywhere are pushing forward with ever-madder schemes for database government. The regulations for the basic structure of the National Identity Register were forced through – it was not a formality though, so thanks to all who wrote against them. Data-sharing has never been more fashionable in Whitehall.
The good news is that slowly, slowly, campaigning is starting to make a difference. There are very promising signs of understanding emerging among some think tanks and on the Opposition front benches. Recently the influential Centre for Policy Studies published a pamphlet called “It’s Ours: why we, not goverment, must own our data”. And on Wednesday 15th July Damian Green MP gave a speech there explicitly attacking ‘Transformational Government’ and the database state.
What NO2ID has been doing for the last 5 years is working. We need to keep on educating the media, politicians and public, keep the pressure up on the Government – and the Opposition if they become the government – and stick to our principles. Respect for privacy could become the orthodoxy. That’s the good news.
The bad news is there is a long way to go before it is, and we all have a responsibility to spread the word till then.
What just happened?
*+ ID scheme Statutory Instruments passed +
*As mentioned above a number of Statutory Instruments relating to the Identity Cards Act have been passed in the House of Commons and the House of Lords despite lobbying from NO2ID supporters. On Wednesday 8th July the commons passed the regulations and on Monday (13th July) the House of Lords likewise passed the statutory instruments but also passed a motion stating: “That this House regrets the Government’s decision to proceed with the draft Identity Cards Act 2006 […] Regulations 2009 before the case for continued investment in the identity cards project has been put to the British people at a general election”.
*+ Identity Cards – Opposition Day Commons Debate +*
On Monday, 6th July there was an opposition day debate on identity cards in the House of Commons. There was much talk of biometric passports and some indication of possible Conservative party policy should they win the next election. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Grayling MP said: “we might be in a position in which, in order to allow people to travel to the United States, we need to process biometric data and to pursue the introduction of biometric passports. We have not backed away from the biometric passport option […] However, it is not our intention to proceed with a compulsory national identity register”. Grayling seemed to suggest that the Tory party would store biometric data in a central passport database but Christopher Huhne MP challenged this: “I am not sure that I would accept that it is necessary to store biometric data. After all, the document would have the biometric data and it is an additional guarantee of veracity. Why is it necessary to go one step further and store it centrally?” The International Civil Aviation Organisation standard for passports only requires a digitised photo of the holder (a form of biometric) , which UK passports now have. Fingerprints and iris scans are optional but this rarely seems to be acknowledged by members from any side of the house. Referring to Lord Mandelson’s support for the ID scheme David Davis MP said: “It is no surprise to any of us that the Darth Vader of modern politics is in favour of the scheme”. The debate ended with a motion amended by the government to praise the ID scheme – and passed thanks to the Labour majority. Watch the debate (starts at 04.43.00) at
www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/Player.aspx?meetingId=4431 Read a transcript at
www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/
?id=2009-07-06a.757.0&s=identity+cards
*+ DNA Database proposals in Draft Legislative Programme +
*The government has announced plans in a forthcoming Policing Crime and Private Security Bill to expand the DNA database. Proposals in the Draft Legislative Programme state that the government will back communities “in setting fair rules to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour” by: “retrospectively adding to DNA database those convicted of serious violent or sexual offences before the 2004 change in the law which made it routine procedure to collect the DNA of offenders”. This new power is currently being consulted upon (see What’s Next below for details of the consultation which closes 7th August). See
www.commonsleader.gov.uk/output/Page2832.asp
*+ Details of ANPR Data Centre revealed +
*The National Police Improvement Agency (NPIA) has released its Annual Report 2008/09. The report reveals the scale of the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system that has been constructed in the UK: “The ANPR infrastructure has the capability to receive and store 50 million ANPR reads per day. The National ANPR Data Centre (NADC) receives around 8 million reads per day”. Also revealed is who will have access to the data: “In due course, Scottish forces and PSNI will also be connected to NADC, as will other national policing and security agencies. These include British Transport Police, Serious Organised Crime Agency, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and the Security Service.” Download the report at
www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/hc0809/hc07/0738/0738.pdf
What’s next?
***+ 30th July – Magicians against ID Cards +*
Thursday 30th July, 8pm till 10pm at the Inn on the Green, just by Ladbroke Grove tube. Roll up for the Magical Liberty Tour and enjoy a night of stunning conjuring in support of NO2ID. London’s top magicians and mindreaders will take to the stage to offer you an evening of mystery and illusion. Hosted by the very funny Tim Fitzhigham, who sailed the Channel in his bathtub, the confirmed acts are: Ian Saville, James Freedman, Michael Pearse, Katharine Rhodes, Stephen Barry and Russell Levinson. NO2ID will have a stand at the gig. Tickets are only £5 on the door.
*+ Communications Data consultation +*
The Home Office has launched a consultation on proposals for the so-called Intercept Modernisation Programme whereby the government wants internet service providers and telecommunications companies data to store details of all UK emails, phone calls and web activity so that public authorities can get hold of that information when they want it. The consultation ends on 20th July 2009. Full details and how to respond at
www.tellthemwhatyouthink.org/consultation/con
-2217-protecting-public-changing-environment
*+ DNA Database consultation +*
The government has launched a consultation ‘Keeping the right people on the DNA database’. The consultation closes on 7th August – responses can be emailed to (DNAconsultation@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk). For details of the consultation and links to the relevant consultation documents see
www.tellthemwhatyouthink.org/consultation/
con-2255-keeping-right-people-dna-database
“ID” in the news
*+ Cost claims stir ID cards debate – Computing 16/7/09 +*
The Tories and Liberal Democrats have argued that in times of fiscal constraint, the £4.9bn scheme must be abandoned ? — although they are ideologically opposed to the plan as well.
www.computing.co.uk/computing/analysis/
2246011/cost-claims-stir-id-cards-4754402
*+ IBM’s ID card contract to last seven years – ZDNet 10/7/09 +*
IBM’s contract to supply technology for ID cards will last seven years, despite the possibility that a change in government could scupper the scheme. In April, IBM was awarded the contract to administer the National Biometric Identity Service (NBIS) database, which will hold identifying information such as facial images and fingerprints.
news.zdnet.co.uk/security/0,1000000189,39672888,00.htm
*+ Biometric passport database adds Atos Origin to mix – ComputerWorld UK 10/7/09 +*
Atos Origin will provide support to the integration of systems for the new biometric passport database, and for controversial identity cards. Under a new seven year deal, the services firm will be a subcontractor to IBM, which inked a £265 million contract in April with the Identity and Passport Service. The database will hold fingerprints and facial images.
www.computerworlduk.com/management/government-
law/public-sector/news/index.cfm?RSS&NewsId=15654
*+ Shadow minister calls for power to be given back to the people – The Times 9/7/09 +*
This deep malaise needs to be tackled. We need to check the powers of the State --- scrap ID cards, reduce the number of powers to enter the home, review stop and search under terrorism powers and curtail the use of intrusive surveillance on trivial grounds.
business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/law/article6667873.ece
*+ Post Office workers can’t spot ID card fraudsters’ – silicon.com 8/7/09 +*
Plans to cut £1bn from the cost of the ID cards project by making people enrol on the high street could be unworkable, after a government report warned the process could be vulnerable to fraud.
www.silicon.com/publicsector/0,3800010403,39449787,00.htm
*+ Police use CCTV to photograph three billion car numbers plates a year – Daily Mail 2/7/09 +*
All information recorded on the cameras is then kept on the police database for a minimum of two years.
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1197083/Police-
use-CCTV-photograph-billion-car-numbers-plates-year.html
(Please send me any items of interest you encounter – Editor(newsletter@no2id.net) )
*+ LOCAL GROUPS NEWS + *
To see if there’s a group in your area check our list at
www.no2id.net/localGroups/ Or, if you’re interested in starting a group yourself, please contact Matty on local.groups@no2id.net to discuss what’s involved and what we have in place to support coordinators and their groups.
_*+ Alexandra Palace +*_
If you are interested in the work of the Alexandra Palace group or are planning on attending the meeting please join the mailing list on:
lists.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.alexandra-palace
_*+ Birmingham +*_
*+ 29th July – Birmingham NO2ID Meeting +*
Wednesday 29th July, 7.30pm in the boardroom in Bennett’s Bar, Bennett’s Hill, B2 5RS.
_*+ Brighton +*_
*+ 28th July – Brighton NO2ID Meeting (4th Tuesday of month) +*
Tuesday, 28th July 7.30pm at the Brighton Peace and Environment Centre (BPEC) opposite Brighton Station. We usually go to the Battle of Trafalgar in Guildford Road at 9.00pm for an informal chat afterwards if meetings aren’t your thing.
_*+ Cambridge +*_
*+ 1st August – Cambridge NO2ID Street Stall +*
Saturday 1st August in the usual spot outside Cambridge Guildhall (
www.aardvarkmap.net/mape/T5LZATLS) from 2pm, where we will be joined by Cambridge MP David Howarth. Please contact Andrew on 07710 469624 if you’d like to help.
*+ 5th August – Cambridge NO2ID pub meeting (1st Wednesday of month) +*
Wednesday, 5th August 7:30pm at the Salisbury Arms, 76 Tenison Rd, Cambridge CB1 2DW (
www.aardvarkmap.net/mape/CYXNES29). For more details contact cambridge@no2id.net, or text/call Andrew on 07710 469624.
_*+ Camden and Islington +*_ *
Camden & Islington NO2ID meet on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 8pm at The The Kings Head, 59 Essex Road, Islington, N1 2SF. For more info email camden@no2id.net or join the mailing list at: (
www.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.camden).
_*+ Canterbury +*_ ** *+
16th July – Canterbury NO2ID Meeting* Thursday 16th July, 7:30pm at the Bell and Crown, Palace Street, Canterbury. Very low turn out at last meeting so would be great to see some more faces this time. For further details contact Jen Leighton on (canterbury@no2id.net). To stay up to date join the Canterbury NO2ID mailing list on: (
lists.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.canterbury).
_*+ Daventry +*_
*+ 12th August – Daventry NO2ID Meeting (2nd Weds of month) +*
Wednesday 12th August, 8pm at the Dun Cow, Brook St, Daventry
_*+ Dorking +*_
Dorking NO2ID’s monthly get together is at The Lincoln Arms, by Dorking mainline station, every first Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm.
*+ 9th September – Question Time on Civil Liberties, Ewell +*
Wednesday, 9th September 7.30pm, Bourne Hall, Ewell a Question Time / Public Meeting with Chris Grayling MP, Shadow Home Secretary and 3 or 4 other panellists. This will be a great opportunity to have your say directly to a possible new Home Secretary if the Conservatives win the next election.
_*+ Edinburgh + *_
Saturdays 1pm – 3pm – NO2ID Edinburgh street stall* Every week, weather permitting, you will find our campaigning stall at the east end of Princes Street, opposite the Balmoral Hotel. Do drop by for a chat. New volunteers – please contact John (edinburgh@no2id.net), and for more group information see
www.no2id-scotland.net/edinburgh/
_*+ Epsom +*_
Come and meet up at the Dorking Group’s monthly get together at The Lincoln Arms, by Dorking mainline station, every first Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm.
If anyone wants to get involved in the Epsom area, please email or phone NO2ID South East Regional Coordinator Geoff Cox on south.east@no2id.net or call 01306 631377.
_*+ Exeter +*_
There is now a shiny new Exeter NO2ID group! Anyone in the vicinity that would like to join a mailing list, meet up, talk action etc, just email exeter@no2id.net and say hello! Very importantly, Exeter council has just unanimously passed a reaffirmation of expression of distrust of the ID card scheme. We’re looking to draw together some members for stalls, letters, media coverage etc, so get in touch!
** _*+ Glasgow +*_
*+ 4th August – Glasgow NO2ID Meeting +*
Glasgow NO2ID meet on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 8pm in Mono. All welcome. Please contact Geraint for further details: glasgow@no2id.net
_*+ Hammersmith & Fulham + *_ *+
22nd July – ‘The Surveillance Society’ evening +*
Wednesday 22nd July, “The Surveillance Society – what’s in store?”. A personal view from Tony Bunyan of Statewatch, fresh back from an important conference. Please check for any ‘stop press information’ on
www.no2id-handf.org.uk/ss220709.htm or with Brian, 07976-414913.
As hardly anyone in our borough seems to support ID cards, we would also be interested in hearing from anyone who might like to help out with a stall in say Ealing or Acton shopping centres. Please contact as above, or via (hammersmith@no2id.net).
_*+ Hebden Bridge +*_
*+ 23rd July – Hebden Bridge NO2ID Meeting +*
Thursday 23rd July 7.30pm at the Fox and Goose. Please email hebden.bridge@no2id.net for further information.
*+ 25th July – Hebden Bridge NO2ID Street Stall +*
Saturday, 25th July from 11am in the main square Hebden Bridge NO2ID will be running a street stall.
_**__*+ Ipswich +*_
*Calling Ipswich supporters* Recently Cambridge and Norwich NO2ID groups joined forces to run a very successful street stall in Ipswich town centre, garnering over 130 new NO2ID supporters. We’d like to build on this success to re-establish an Ipswich local group. If you live near Ipswich and would be interested in participating in a local group there, please contact Andrew Watson (andrew.watson@no2id.net) or Matty Mitford (local.groups@no2id.net).
_*+ Lancaster +*_
Subscribe to the Lancaster NO2ID e-mail list at
www.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.lancaster
_*+ Manchester +*_
ID cards are to be introduced in Manchester this autumn. Recent spin from the Home Office has convinced people that the National Identity Scheme has been cancelled, that it isn’t a threat and it’s voluntary. It’s more important than ever to get the word out about the Database State.
*+ 8th August – Manchester NO2ID Street Stall +*
Saturday 8th August, 2-4pm in St. Ann’s Square in Manchester City Centre (down near the big Marks and Spencer) to raise awareness among the public and engage people in discussion about the National Identity Register. We’ll meet in the square itself at 2pm to set up shop; feel free to join us to lend a hand or just chat. You don’t need any experience or equipment, just a bit of time to spare and a friendly smile!
manchester.no2id.net/content/street-stall-august-2009
*+ 12th August – Manchester NO2ID Meeting +*
Wednesday 12th August, 7-9pm in the Town Hall Tavern, Tib Lane, Manchester. Sadly, this venue is not wheelchair-accessible; please contact us on manchester@no2id.net if you have accessibility needs. Everyone is welcome, newcomer or not, curious or committed. See minutes of our previous meetings at (manchester.no2id.net/taxonomy/term/5). We are always looking for volunteers to take and type up minutes from our meetings; it’s an easy way to help the campaign! Unfortunately, the Town Hall Tavern no longer do evening food.
manchester.no2id.net/content/monthly-meeting-august-2009
** _*+ Newport + *_
If you are interested in the work of the Newport group, please join their mailing list on:
lists.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.newport
* *_*+ Norwich +*_
*+ 15th August – Norwich NO2ID Street Stall +*
On Saturday 15th August it’s the Norwich NO2ID street stall from 1pm-3pm at The Haymarket, Gentleman’s Walk, so please come along for ID card and database-related antics. Fresher or seasoned protester, anyone welcome! Say no to Big Bro.
*+ 18th August – Norwich NO2ID Group Meeting +*
Tuesday, 18th August at The Workshop (opposite The Black Horse), 53 Earlham Road, NR2 3AD at 7.30pm-9pm. Discuss what ID cards and being on various government databases will entail and ways of fighting back.
If you are interested in the work of the Norwich group, please join their mailing list on:
www.no2id.net/mailman/listinfo/no2id.norwich
_*+ Oxford +*_
*+ 1st August – Oxford NO2ID Street Stall +*
Saturday, 1st August in Cornmarket Street from 11am for a couple of hours. This will be our first opportunity to make sure the public knows that the Government is pressing ahead with the identity scheme, despite what they may have heard in the press. Come and lend a hand to spread the message!
*+ 6th August – NO2ID Oxford monthly pub meeting +*
Thursday, 6th August at the Mitre on the High Street from 8pm. All welcome.
See the website for more:
no2id-oxford.org.uk/
_*+ Sheffield +*_
*+ 29th July – Sheffield NO2ID Meeting +*
Wednesday, 29th July, 7.30pm at the Harlequin pub on Nursery Street. Following on from the success of recent street stalls, and basking in the glow of the new Sheffield city council anti-ID card motion, the local group will be holding a planning meeting. New faces are always welcome!
_*+ Southampton +*_
Southampton NO2ID holds a regular monthly meeting and plotting session on the first Wednesday of the month at 8:00pm in the Dolphin Pub next to St Denys railway station
*Southampton NO2ID Street Stalls* We are keen to move the stall to different locations in and around Southampton. If you would like to have a stall near you, then please get in touch with the group via southampton.no2id@gmail.com.
_*+ Watford +*_
*+ Call for Volunteers** +*
The NO2ID Watford group also covers the towns of St. Albans, Hemel Hempstead and Rickmansworth and the surrounding south west Hertfordshire region. We are currently seeking volunteers to help organise activities in the area. We usually meet on the first Tuesday of each month in a pub in Watford but we are prepared to consider rotating this with the other towns if it is more convenient to people. We also hold a street stall the following Saturday morning after the meeting in each of the towns. The street stall is great fun and allows us to interact with the public and to get signatures on the petition. We are also looking for people to lobby their local council to get a resolution passed of non cooperation with the identity card and database scheme. Watford and Three Rivers have passed such a motion and we need people from St. Albans, Dacorum and Hertsmere to write to their councillor. Please contact Colin Simmons on (watford@no2id.net).
Publication details: © NO2ID 2009 – 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 412, 19-21 Crawford Street, LONDON W1H 1PJ