News

Our regular panel comments on a topic in the news.

Following on from the abolition of the voucher scheme, home secretary David Blunkett has unveiled identity cards for asylum seekers. Termed "application registration cards", they include a photo, fingerprint, name, date of birth and nationality, as well as a secure updateable chip for additional information. The government says they will help tackle fraud and ensure that asylum seekers are identified rapidly at all stages of their application. But for some campaigners the cards represent the "thin end of the wedge". They could become a passport to health care and education services, not to mention the possibility of victimisation and increased use of police stop and searches. And with Blunkett also proposing ID cards for everyone else, perhaps asylum seekers are a convenient testing ground for a highly contentious policy initiative - one that would seriously redefine the relationship between the state and the individual, and potentially divide society itself along the lines of those who need to use their ID card and those more comfortable with a bank or credit card.

Karen Warwick, senior practitioner, Barnardo's
"David Blunkett has discussed the introduction of compulsory ID cards for everyone very quickly after the plans were revealed for ID cards for asylum seekers. This, I imagine, was purposeful. He speaks of citizenship and all the benefits the cards will bring. My view is that the cards aimed at asylum seekers are being introduced as another method of policing. It also concerns me with regard to how the data stored will be used. In Blunkett's defence, however, we have moved a step away from the dreadful voucher system."

Bill Badham, programme manager, Children's Society
"The UK government refuses asylum-seeking children their rights to participation, protection and provision under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. They are treated as a threat to national security. Maybe soon we will all have ID cards. I'll probably lose mine. It won't matter. I'll go on flashing credit cards as my passport to goods and services. Meanwhile, stop and search, intimidation and denial of human rights will be the lot of those who have come here seeking their security."

Felicity Collier, chief executive, Baaf Adoption and Fostering
"The UK has a long history of providing refuge for people who are oppressed and in desperate circumstances. The new identity card does, of course, mark the welcome end of the voucher scheme. But it is imperative that the government now demonstrates that it is determined to give this extremely vulnerable group the services and support they need in a non-stigmatising and non-discriminatory way. The balance is a delicate one and Refugee Action has voiced a relevant and very important concern."

Phil Frampton, national chairperson, Care Leavers Association
"While I would welcome anything that would speed up the application process for asylum seekers, there is something about civil liberties and the rights of those most vulnerable in society (and not violating these!). ID cards for asylum seekers leave this minority group open to more victimisation - this sounds like separation and discrimination of our fellow human beings. I think this will also lead to stereotyping and 'branding' asylum seekers, which incites even more negative public opinion than already exists."

Julia Ross, social services director and primary care trust chief executive, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
"This move is sensible in that it protects and supports people who are in very vulnerable situations from any hassle. It is also supportable given the special status of those individuals. Of course, we will need to be careful that it is not abused but that is true of any human rights issue."