Benefits of ID cards for Manchester

Work is underway to identify a number of areas across the UK where British nationals can be among the first to apply for an identity card, the Home Secretary announced when she visited Manchester today.

Further details of plans to introduce the first voluntary identity cards for the general public this autumn were revealed during her visit to meet with young people and the city’s business and community leaders.
 
At a speech in Manchester Town Hall she emphasised the benefits identity cards will bring for the region and the country and set out the progress made in delivering the cards. Building on a commitment made in November she expanded on plans to make a limited number of the cards available early from this autumn.

New website in the spring

A brand new website giving the public more information on keeping their identity secure will be launched in the Spring. British nationals interested in getting an identity card will be able to stay up-to-date with developments and can register to be told if the National Identity Service goes live in their region.
 
While in Manchester the Home Secretary visited Newall Green High School in Wythenshawe to meet young people who could be some of the first to be able to apply for cards from 2010. Together they discussed how identity cards will help young people strike out on their own by opening their first bank account, renting their first flat, or perhaps travelling to Europe for the first time. 

Statement from the Home Secretary

Jacqui Smith, said, 'Identity cards are already a reality and thanks to Manchester Airport’s agreement to work with us, the city is leading the way in their roll-out. As the cards become more widely available the whole country will see real benefits for citizens, businesses and the country by giving a convenient and secure proof of identity that locks people to one identity.  
 
'That is why we have brought forward our plans and this year will begin offering identity cards on a voluntary basis, giving British nationals the chance to access the benefits of identity cards as soon as possible.
 
'Those benefits include increased protection against identity fraud for the individual and help in protecting our communities against criminals, illegal immigrants and terrorists trying to exploit multiple identities.'

ID cards — the benefits

In her speech she stressed that in those areas where identity cards are delivered first residents, businesses, local authorities and others will reap the rewards the cards bring including:

• a universal and simple proof of identity that brings convenience for organisations and individuals – that means an end to the disorganised use of photocopied bank statements, phone bills and birth certificates
• the Service will give you control of who can see your personal details – that means an end to revealing details about your finances or personal life just to prove who you are and where you live
• ensuring that foreign nationals living, working and studying here legally are able to easily prove their identity and prevent those here illegally from benefiting from the privileges of Britain
• convenient travel in Europe using the identity card.  

Identity cards are already a reality for foreign nationals with work underway to issue more than 50,000 by April this year, helping show clearly whether non-EEA residents have the right to work and live in the UK.

ID cards for airside workers

Starting in autumn this year the first identity cards for airside workers will be issued at Manchester and London City airports, which have agreed to take part in an 18 month evaluation of the benefits the Service will bring the aviation industry.
 
From 2010 young people can apply for the card and from 2012 the National Identity Service will begin to roll-out identity cards for the general population in significant numbers. 

Statement from Manchester Airport Group

Geoff Muirhead CBE, chief executive of Manchester Airport Group, said ‘We are committed to working closely with IPS to deliver identity cards to airside workers because we believe they offer real benefits to businesses operating at Manchester Airport.  

'Improved identity checks will also provide greater portability for individuals in terms of applying for new jobs within the industry where airside clearance is required without the need to repeat lengthy security checks.'