Unidentified flying subjects
Updated on 06 March 2008
The government admits many people in Britain may not need nor be given an ID card at all, instead relying on passports, updated with biometric data.
This despite claims ID cards would be an vital weapon in the war on terrorism and identity fraud.
Yet the government is still committed to spend billions of pounds on the scheme, because some people at least will still be required to have the cards.
Non-EU immigrants will get them from next year, followed by an estimated 200,000 airport staff.
Then from 2010 students and young people will be "encouraged" to provide their biometric details to the government.
The Home Secretary says it will make it easier for them to get bank accounts, but the National Union of Students is suspicious.
