Commenting on reports that measures will be introduced to allow state officials to demand a person’s proof of identity at all times, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne said: “Ministers seem to be breaking their promise that no one would ever have to carry an ID card. They are leaving the back door open by giving themselves the option to make the carrying of an ID card compulsory in future.”

Chris Huhne went on to say:

“This is a sly and underhand way of extending the ID card scheme by stealth.

“If this is included in legislation, it will be the worst example of creeping state power since the outrageous plan, thankfully jettisoned, to allow ministers to create criminal offences with a sentence of up to two years in prison without even a debate in Parliament.”