Titled:   The threat of ID cards gets closer

Samizdata brings us news of the UKs decision to make ID cards voluntary compulsory. Yes, despite the promises of a voluntary system, mentioned before here, MPs made it compulsory for people to be given cards - and put on a register - when they apply for passports.

The BBC reports that even investigation of the costs of the system should be ignored:

Home Secretary Charles Clarke had said a stand-alone ID card would cost £30, while one linked to a passport would cost £93.

But that figure has been disputed, most notably by a London School of Economics report estimating the cards could cost up to £300 each.

Of course the cards are still called voluntary, but:

"The only way in which people will be able to opt out of the system is by giving up their right to travel abroad.

Now is the time for me to decide. I still have British citizenship and a current passport alongside my US one. I use it to get in the short line through customs when visiting family in the UK. When renewal comes due, and that is pretty soon, I will probably not renew it. The cost in terms of liberty and money is just too great.

The Brits will lose my $400 and I will have to wait a little longer at Gatwick Airport. I'll pay that price.

Posted by Dave the still-hyphenated American