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Identity Cards Bill

I support this group of amendments, which seem to me to be reasonable and necessary. There is a widespread perception outside Parliament and in the country that the Government are chiselling away at traditional liberties of every kind. No doubt this is motivated by a desire to do something effective about terrorism, but the cumulative effect of all these measures is to cause alarm. The Minister could allay some of that by being a little conciliatory and helpful on this group.