Last
updated: 07/02/08
ID-ucation cards
Students
will be ‘blackmailed’ into holding identity cards to apply
for student loans, say the Conservative Party.
The Tories obtained leaked Home Office documents last month which showed
that, from 2010, those applying for student loans will have to hold
identity cards in order to get funding.
It will be compulsory for anyone aged 16 or over to hold an identity
card to open a bank account or apply for a student loan. Cards will
cost up to £100.
The document says: “We should issue ID cards to young people to
assist them as they open their first bank account, take out a student
loan, etc.”
Foreign nationals will be expected to hold the biometric cards later
this year, with the first cards being introduced to UK citizens on a
voluntary basis in 2009.
From next year, they will also be issued to people in “positions
of trust” such as airport workers.
This information has led to further concerns that the Government are
intending to use legislation to stealthily collect fingerprints and
other biometric details of the two million young people entering higher
education each year.
Shadow immigration minister Damian Green told the Guardian that the
plans are “straightforward blackmail” to bolster “a
failing policy”.
“This is an outrageous plan. The government has seen its ID cards
proposals stagger from shambles to shambles. They are clearly trying
to introduce them by stealth.”
Responding to the leaked document the National Union of Students expressed
concerns over the plans.
NUS Vice President (Welfare), Ama Uzowuru said, “It is extremely
disappointing that the Government is planning to use students as guinea
pigs for this scheme by forcing them to take on ID cards in order to
apply for a loan.”
“Besides being morally reprehensible, this plan is also completely
impractical. The student loan system is complicated enough as it is,
without introducing yet another layer of bureaucracy to the process.”
“Many students change address at least once a year and would be
obliged to report such changes in their personal circumstances or face
a £1000 fine. We would also be concerned for the safety of students’
personal information if they were forced to enter the ID card system.”
by Selina
Ashton
