Today (21st April 2006) Doncaster No2ID is calling on the Mayor Martin Winter and Doncaster Council to reconsider a motion put to the council in December rejecting identity cards and the National Identity Register.

In December, a motion was tabled by Liberal Democrat councillor Edwin Simpson. The motion would have - amongst other things - meant the Council rejecting identity cards, and ensuring that residents of Doncaster were not required to produce one to access Council services. The motion was defeated 22 votes to 18, but Doncaster No2ID believes that those voting against the motion were not fully aware of the far-reaching civil liberty and privacy concerns surrounding the Government’s scheme.

To read the press release in full, please see the links below:-

• PDF version
• MS Word version
• Wiki page

The mailing list is now up - we’ll be using it to keep people informed of what’s going on with the group. If you’ve got something you want including mail mailinglist@doncaster-no2id.org.uk - don’t mail the list directly as your message will be bounced.

To sign up, send an email with the word ’subscribe’ in it to announce-subscribe@doncaster-no2id.org.uk and follow the instructions in the reply. Details on how to unsubscribe are also included at the bottom of every mail.

A number of similarly-minded individuals from the Doncaster area have come together to form a local band of No2ID supporters.

What is/are No2ID?
No2ID is a campaigning organisation opposed to the Governments proposed identity card and National Identity Register. It consists of people from all corners of society who believe that the Government’s plans are flawed, unworkable and downright dangerous.

What is it not?
We’re not party-political, which means we’re not affiliated with any political party, nor are we here to further any particular party’s agenda. People who are involved are from both sides of the political spectrum.

So why oppose the scheme?
For many reasons, mainly surrounding the fact that such a scheme is a serious intrusion into the civil liberties of the general population, and for no apparent logical reason.

Ok, so why does Doncaster need a local group?
Doncaster is and always has been a traditional Labour stronghold. The area has three MPs, all of whom are Labour MPs. Over half of the council is also made up of Labour councillors. Because of the town’s mining heritage many people are Labour voters and supporters simply on principle - if the Government is to be shown that the electorate does not want its grandiose, illogical scheme, these people are the ones who need to be made aware of the Government’s plans.

I’m interested. What can I do?
You can get involved. The organisation as a whole needs every bit of help it can get.